Amorim gives two word verdict on his job as Man Utd boss after Spurs loss

Monday, 17 February 2025 at 12:22

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim admitted his job is "so hard" after his side's 1-0 defeat to Tottenham left them 15th in the Premier League table.

James Maddison's 13th-minute goal proved decisive as United slumped to their eighth loss in 12 league matches under Amorim.

Despite another underwhelming performance, the Portuguese coach is battling a growing injury crisis, with 12 senior players sidelined, forcing him to name a bench packed with youngsters.

Amorim, known for his candid post-match interviews, once again spoke openly about his challenges.

"I have a lot of problems," he told Sky Sports. "My job is so hard, but I am here to continue with my beliefs and try to win again."

Amorim Defends Lack of Substitutions

Despite trailing for over 70 minutes, Amorim made just one substitution—introducing 17-year-old Chido Obi in stoppage time.

He later explained his reluctance to make changes, emphasizing his responsibility to protect the club’s young players.

"It is the hardest competition in the world," he told BBC Sport. "I am trying to be careful with them. I felt the team was pushing for the goal, and I didn't want to change things. But they will play."

While Amorim remains confident in his approach, United's form makes for grim reading:

12 losses in 25 league games (W8 D5) – their worst record at this stage since 1973-74, the season they were relegated.
Eight defeats in their last 12 matches – only Leicester (nine) and Southampton (10) have more in that period.
Just nine first-half goals all season – only Leicester (seven) have scored fewer. In their last 10 games, United's only first-half goal was a Bruno Fernandes penalty.

Neville and Redknapp Criticize United’s Decline

Former United captain Gary Neville believes there has been little sign of progress under Amorim.

"The club will have to be patient, but I would like to see performance levels improving," Neville told Sky Sports. "Right now, United are playing at a very average level every week. The best thing about Amorim’s time here has been his press conferences. This is a really poor United team."

Jamie Redknapp echoed those sentiments, highlighting the lack of quality in the squad.

"They are so short of top players, and it’s going to take time," he said. "But when you're Manchester United, you don’t want to hear that. It’s very difficult to watch if you’re a United fan."

With their top-four hopes fading, Amorim faces a huge task to turn things around before the end of the season.