Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has openly admitted his team might be “among the worst” in the club’s 147-year history, following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Brighton.
The loss marked United’s fourth in their last five Premier League home games and continued a dismal run under Amorim, who replaced Eric ten Hag in November. With just 11 points in 11 league matches since his arrival, United currently sit 13th in the table – 10 points clear of the relegation zone but seven adrift of 10th-placed Fulham.
“In [the past] 10 games in Premier League, we won two,” said Amorim. “Imagine what this is for a fan of Manchester United. Imagine what this is for me.
“We are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. I have full knowledge of that. We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United. I know you [media] want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go: your headlines.”
Against Brighton, Manchester United equalized through a Bruno Fernandez penalty after conceding early but failed to build on that momentum. Kaoru Mitoma restored Brighton’s lead, and a critical mistake by goalkeeper Andre Onana gifted Georginio Rutter the visitor’s third goal, sealing the defeat.
Although Amorim’s comment about his team being “maybe the worst” in United’s history might be an exaggeration, statisics suggest they’re not too far off. Hera are some stats that show how badly they are performing:
- This was United’s sixth home Premier League defeat of the season, their most from their opening 12 home matches of a league season since 1893-94.
- They have conceded the first goal in each of their past five Premier League games at Old Trafford – their joint-longest such run in the competition, also doing so five times in a row from August to October 2023.
- United have lost 10 of their 22 Premier League games this season – the earliest into a league campaign that they have hit double figures for defeats since 1989-90 under Alex Ferguson.
Only 13 teams in United’s history have had fewer points at this stage of a season, with the most recent instance occurring in 1986-87.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman noted on BBC’s match of the day, “It was a really bold statement from Ruben Amorim. Their starting XI cost £391m, their five simmer signings cost £182m.
“I would not enjoy being called out like this. No one wants to be known as the worst team to ever play for the cub. He’s probably honest and on the mark.”
Before the Brighton game, Amorim sought advise from legendary former manager Six Alex Ferguson, who urged him to “stay positive.” However, with mounting losses, Amorim admits that the pressure is growing. He has faced criticism for sticking to his preferred 3-4-3 formation, a system that brought success in Portugal but has struggled to yeild results in United.
Amorim has also acknowledged the need for a significant rebuild. Several players, including Marcus Rashford and Anthony, are expected to leave. Real Betis are reportedly pursuing Anthony, the club’s second most expensive signing at £81.3m.
Meanwhile, Rashford’s departure appears imminent, with Amorim stating, “It’s his choice. Rashford is out at this moment. I am not going to put a player in I don’t believe is best for the team.”
Despite interest from clubs like Chelsea, United have resisted selling young forward Alejandro Garnacho, while other sealable assets, including England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, could be offloaded to fund new signings.
Amid turmoil, goalkeeper Andre Onana remains a focal point of inconsistency. While his heroics helped United secure a win against Southampton, his costly error against Brighton highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles. Amorim reflected, “It’s like the team – ups and downs. Really high ups and really low downs.”
A glimmer of hope lies in the impending arrival of 17-year-old Paraguayan defender Diego Leon. Amorim views this signing as a shift towards prioritizing young, global talent over extravagant spending on players with questionable impact – a strategy that has contributed to United’s current struggles.
While Amorim remains resolute in his vision for the club, the path to restoring Manchester United’s glory appears long and uncertain.
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