Manchester United‘s disastrous run of form continued on Monday evening as they were defeated 2-0 by Newcastle United at Old Trafford. This latest setback not only marked another disappointing loss for the Red Devils, but also saw the club match a miserable record that has plagued them for over half a century. With their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions and a growing sense of crisis around the club, Ruben Amorim’s tenure as manager faces increasing scrutiny. As United prepares for a daunting trip to Liverpool next, the pressure is mounting on Amorim to find a solution to their ongoing struggles, particularly in defence.
A Miserable Run: Manchester United’s Worst Defensive Month in History
The defeat to Newcastle was not just another loss for Manchester United, but it also marked a historic low for the club. In the month of December 2024, United endured their worst defensive month since records began. The club conceded a staggering 18 goals in just nine fixtures across all competitions. This catastrophic defensive collapse matched a previous low from March 1964, a dark chapter in the club’s history.
While many fans and pundits had hoped that the arrival of Ruben Amorim who had achieved success with Sporting CP would signal a fresh start, the reality has been far from ideal. Despite a brief period of optimism, United’s form has nosedived, and the team’s inability to shore up their defence has been the most glaring issue. Ruben Amorim himself admitted after the Newcastle defeat that the club has fallen into a relegation battle, acknowledging that the situation has become dire.
“We’re conceding goals at a rate we’ve never seen before in the club’s history,” Ruben Amorim said, struggling to contain his frustration. “Our defensive record is simply unacceptable, and we have to fix it, or we risk getting further stuck in this battle.”
Consecutive Defeats Piling Up: A Crisis in the Making
The defeat to Newcastle also saw Manchester United extend their miserable streak of losses, with the club now having lost four consecutive matches in all competitions. This marks the latest chapter in a season that has failed to live up to expectations. In the Premier League, United have now lost five of their last six matches, a run that has left them struggling to keep pace with the top clubs in England.
The defeat to Newcastle at home following earlier losses to teams such as Brentford and Sheffield United has added to a growing sense of crisis at Old Trafford. United are now sitting perilously close to the relegation zone, and Ruben Amorim’s position as manager is under intense scrutiny. For a club with the pedigree of Manchester United, this is a shocking turn of events.
In addition to the mounting losses, the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle marked another negative milestone for the club. This was the third consecutive league defeat at Old Trafford, a record that has not been seen at the club since 1979. What makes the situation even worse is that United failed to score in these three consecutive home losses, something they hadn’t done for nine years. For a club that has prided itself on its attacking strength, this represents a significant and worrying decline in form.
Ruben Amorim, however, remains defiant in his approach. Despite the growing pressure, he has consistently backed his tactical philosophy and his decision to implement a 3-4-2-1 formation that worked well during his time at Sporting CP. He has refused to back down from his system, despite it clearly not delivering the results expected in the Premier League.
“I was hired for my ideas, and changing them now would mean abandoning everything I believe in. A coach who changes their mind in tough moments is done for,” Ruben Amorim said before the Newcastle match, reaffirming his commitment to his tactical approach.
Ruben Amorim Faces Growing Pressure as Manager
Despite Ruben Amorim’s firm resolve to stick with his tactics, there are signs that the manager is beginning to question his system, especially after the Newcastle defeat. In his post-match comments, Ruben Amorim hinted at the possibility of revisiting his approach, admitting that “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 with my message,” Ruben Amorim added. “But if things aren’t working, I need to be open to making adjustments. The team’s needs must come first, even if that means changing my approach.”
The shift in Ruben Amorim’s tone will likely raise concerns among the United faithful, many of whom have been waiting for the Portuguese coach to demonstrate his tactical flexibility. It remains to be seen whether Ruben Amorim will continue with the 3-4-2-1 formation or opt for a more conventional setup that might better suit the players at his disposal.
The Tactical Dilemma: Ruben Amorim’s Formation and the Team’s Struggles
The biggest tactical issue surrounding Manchester United right now is their defensive frailty, which has been exacerbated by Ruben Amorim’s choice to play with a back three. While the 3-4-2-1 formation worked wonders for Sporting CP, it has not delivered the same results in the Premier League. United’s defence has looked disorganized, and the team has struggled to cope with the demands of playing with three central defenders.
The decision to play with a back three has left United’s defence exposed on several occasions, especially against teams like Newcastle, who punished their mistakes. Harry Maguire and Raphaël Varane have been unable to form a consistent partnership at the heart of the defence, and the lack of a dominant leader in that area has been evident. In addition, United’s midfield has been unable to provide the necessary protection to the backline, leaving them vulnerable to counter-attacks and set-pieces.
Despite the setbacks, Ruben Amorim’s desire to maintain his formation is admirable. However, it’s clear that the players are struggling to adapt, and some might argue that a change in system could be necessary to halt the downward spiral. United’s current squad despite being filled with talented individuals has yet to fully grasp the demands of Ruben Amorim’s tactical setup, and it remains to be seen if a change in formation or personnel might provide a spark.
A Tough Challenge Ahead: The Liverpool Match
As Manchester United look ahead to their upcoming fixture against Liverpool, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The trip to Anfield on January 5 promises to be a daunting test for Ruben Amorim’s side. Liverpool, under Jürgen Klopp, have been in excellent form and are currently leading the Premier League table, making them one of the toughest teams to face.
For Ruben Amorim, this match represents a pivotal moment in his managerial career at United. A heavy defeat to Liverpool could see his position come under even greater scrutiny, and there is a growing sense that he needs to deliver results quickly or risk losing the trust of both the fans and the board.
Despite the pressure, Ruben Amorim has maintained his confidence and reiterated that his focus remains on improving the team. “I believe in my ideas, and I believe in this team,” he said. “We’re going through a tough moment, but that’s when you learn the most. I will continue working hard to get us out of this situation.”
Conclusion: A Defining Period for Ruben Amorim
In conclusion, Ruben Amorim’s reign at Manchester United is at a crossroads. The club’s worst defensive month in history, coupled with a string of disappointing defeats, has left them in a precarious position heading into the new year. With Liverpool up next, Ruben Amorim faces a defining challenge in his managerial career. Whether he can turn the tide and fix United’s defensive woes will determine his future at Old Trafford. But one thing is clear: the pressure is mounting, and Manchester United can no longer afford to ignore their ongoing struggles. The next few weeks will be critical for Ruben Amorim as he seeks to restore Manchester United to their former glory.
