United just seven points above the drop zone; Amorim side’s next match is at league leaders Liverpool on Super Sunday
Ruben Amorim has admitted that Manchester United are in a fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League after their humbling defeat to Newcastle.
The dismal 2-0 loss at Old Trafford, described as “embarrassing” and “grim” by former club captain Gary Neville, means United are just seven points above the drop zone at the halfway stage of the season.
Asked directly on Sky Sports if Manchester United were now in a relegation fight, Amorim conceded: “That is really clear. It’s one of the most difficult moments in the history of Man Utd and we have to address it with honesty.”
Amorim added later in his press conference: “When you have these kind of moments, especially in the big clubs, it’s really hard to turn things around, especially when you don’t have a lot of time to train the basics, to cope with the difficult moments.
“So we have to acknowledge our position, the way you see the league, everybody can beat everybody. So we have to engage and focus on surviving.”
United’s next match is on Sunday at league leaders Liverpool.
In-form Newcastle simply overpowered Amorim’s side in the opening 30 minutes, with United’s fourth consecutive defeat effectively confirmed long before half-time.
“They were the better team and they started very strong,” Amorim said. “It was very hard for us to turn it around after we conceded the first goal because of the results before and we didn’t have the positioning to cope with the difficult moments. The players suffered a lot on the pitch and it was really hard on us. Newcastle are a better team.”
Amorim’s team selection was once again the focus of scrutiny as Christian Eriksen and Casemiro were, as predicted before the game by Neville and Sky Sports colleague Jamie Carragher, overrun in midfield. Joshua Zirkzee, selected as an inside left, barely lasted half an hour before he was replaced to widespread jeering inside Old Trafford.
Before the game, Amorim had responded with defiance when asked if he would change his approach.
“I was hired because of that idea, and in these difficult moments if you change your mind, it is the end for any coach,” he said.
And pressed again following the defeat on whether he will consider changing his approach, which has been headlined by a switch to a 3-4-3 formation, a defiant Amorim vowed to stick to his principles.
“It is a choice that everyone has to make in football. If I think this is the best thing for the team, I will continue to pass my message.”
Source: Sky sports
Follow the KOIKIMEDIA NEWS 🗞 CHANNEL on WhatsApp