Since Amorims took over as manager on November 11, Manchester United have collected just seven points from a possible 24. Two wins, one draw and a whopping five losses in eight Premier League games.
Even the most critical pundits did not see this coming. Manchester United lost six games in all competitions in December, only the third month in history in which they have lost so many and the first since 1962.
Manchester United conceded 18 goals in December, their most in a month since March 1964 (also 18).
Since Amorim’s first game on November 24, only Southampton (7) have lost more games in all competitions among Premier League clubs than United and they are definitely last in the Premier League.
United have lost three consecutive home league games for the first time since February 1979, while they have lost three consecutive Premier League games in the same season for the first time since December 2015 under Louis van Gaal.
Manchester United are ‘ready to sell seven players’ after Newcastle humiliation plus once ‘untouchable’ Erik ten Hag favourite
2024 has been a year of ups and downs at Old Trafford. Apart from the FA Cup final win against Manchester City in May, United fans haven’t had much to cheer about.
On Monday, Ruben Amorim watched in disbelief as his team fell two goals behind in the space of 19 minutes against Newcastle, as Alexander Isak and Joelinton got on the scoresheet in the 2-0 win that sent Eddie Howe’s side up to fifth while United remained in 14th just seven points clear of Ipswich on the relegation zone.
Heading into 2025, Amorim (39) will no doubt want to improve his squad, but there is no money for that. Manchester United is balancing on a knife edge with regard to the Premier League and Uefa’s financial rules.
In his first interview as head coach, he explained how getting the job was a “real honor” but insisted that he will “need time” to bring success to the Red Devils.
And he may have already got more than he expected, having seen his team lose six of the 11 games he was in charge – losing to Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Bournemouth, Wolves and most recently, Newcastle.
Despite his poor form, the Portuguese has shown that he is not the type of manager who shies away from big decisions, namely when he left Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the 20-man matchday squad ahead of the 2-1 win against Manchester City.
Last night, he hooked Joshua Zirkzee after just 32 minutes, to the amazement of those gathered at Old Trafford.
And he may yet be forced to make some big calls in the coming transfer windows.
According to Mail Plus, up to seven players could leave the club. The report explains how United “would listen to offers for Rashford” – and are “eager” to see Casemiro leave, while Zirkzee has been linked with a potential loan move to Juventus.
Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof are both out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 season and are seemingly unlikely to be offered a new deal by the club. Antony has also been “offered” a potential departure from United by Real Betis.
Somewhat surprisingly, however, Garnacho is also mentioned in the Mail’s report and is described as “less natural” for Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, which places equal emphasis on both attacking and defensive play for the wing-backs.
Antony (24) could leave Manchester United on loan. Spanish side Real Betis are considering signing the Brazilian in January. United have tried to sell Antony permanently, but may consider loan offers.
Marcus Rashford (27) has stated that he is “ready for a new challenge” and is considering leaving Manchester United. Rashford was left out of the squad for the Manchester derby, and there is speculation that the club’s new owners are planning to sell him.
It is Casemiro’s star factor from his time at Real Madrid that now allows Manchester United to sell the Brazilian flop at a big profit. Manchester United bought the 32-year-old for €70.2 million in the summer of 2022 and now, after trying to give away and loan the defensive centre-back in several windows, they are cashing in.
Casemiro has turned around and finally agreed to leave Old Trafford during the January transfer window.
Besides! – Ruben Amorim is not at all safe, even though it will cost a lot to sack him now. Whatever the “everything must be done” sign is definitely set up outside Old Trafford.
The next game for Manchester United is on Sunday away at Anfield against supreme Premier League leader Liverpool.
