RUBEN AMORIM is undoubtedly experienced, having a clear understanding of the atmosphere at Old Trafford.

However, during his recent trip to the Theatre of Dreams, he encountered a leaking roof during his post-match press conference… which vividly represents the current situation at Manchester United.

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Nonetheless, the Portuguese manager is aware of the importance of engaging with the fans, and it’s clear that Red Devils supporters are feeling “tired” with the persistent troubles at their underperforming club.

Amorim’s tenure at United has just surpassed a month, yet the 2-0 Boxing Day loss to Wolves marked his fifth defeat in seven matches since his arrival after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.

Now, he must gear up for the challenging match on Monday against the in-form Newcastle.

The 39-year-old, who has a contract that extends until 2027, insists this timeframe is sufficient for him to demonstrate his capabilities.

He faces the hurdle of the daunting circumstances he has stepped into, as fans feel increasingly disillusioned with the management at United, both on and off the pitch.

Yet, Amorim must tackle the reality that the team has seemingly gone BACKWARDS in recent weeks.

United’s last home game ended in a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, during which the roof began leaking overhead during the game.

This marked the fourth Premier League defeat at Old Trafford this season.

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Eddie Howe’s team will approach the fixture on a run of four straight wins, making the upcoming match against Newcastle particularly daunting for United.

Nevertheless, Amorim asserted: “We must oppose all odds because our supporters consistently stand by us, although they are weary of the current state of affairs.

Ruben Amorim stresses the necessity for Man Utd to overcome challenges post Wolves defeat

“Enduring difficult times is a part of football. I anticipated it would be tough.

“One hopes to secure more wins and for players to feel more confident in executing the strategy to improve our situation.

“At this juncture, things are extremely challenging. We must persist to gain time and ultimately enhance the team.”

Amorim’s candor is commendable. He also remarked that the atmosphere at Old Trafford could become tense whenever Newcastle poses a threat.

He further noted: “We have to prepare for the fact that any attack from Newcastle could instill anxiety within the stadium, and our players must bear that pressure.

“They are a strong squad with significant pace, having had a prolonged period under the same coach. Our objective is to remain competitive and aim for victory, that’s paramount.”

‘Worst Man Utd in half a century’

At present, this is the poorest United team in fifty years, a striking observation considering the substantial funds invested in recent seasons.

The predicament arises not just from a lack of talent, but also from a deficiency of confidence and energy, rendering the team overly predictable.

There’s no valid explanation for why United shouldn’t triumph over Newcastle. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if they faced a significant defeat, perhaps even 4-0.

Following the loss to Wolves, Amorim confessed that the team must “survive” in the Premier League, as they currently sit 14th in the table, eight points above the relegation zone.

A further issue is United’s struggle with set pieces; they have conceded ten goals from these situations this season, five of which occurred under Amorim’s management.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana failed to defend against Matheus Cunha’s corner at Molineux—this came just a week after Tottenham’s Son Heung-min scored from a similar set piece against Altay Bayindir in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.

Set-piece problem

The fact that Wolves practiced scoring directly from corners during the week highlights a significant issue, as Onana lacks adequate protection from his defenders.

Amorim explained: “Set pieces are becoming critical. We must improve, even when working with shorter players.”

The new United coach was also asked whether the Red Devils fans could help create a better atmosphere against Newcastle.

He replied: “I wouldn’t dream of requesting anything from our supporters. They offer everything: a full stadium, steadfast support, and applause even in defeat.

“My aim is to provide something back to the fans, rather than ask for anything from them.”

Fernandes walking disciplinary tightrope

United will be missing their captain Bruno Fernandes following his red card against Wolves.

While the Portuguese playmaker’s earlier expulsion against Spurs in September was overturned, he remains on a disciplinary tightrope and cannot be fully depended upon.

When questioned whether former captain Harry Maguire could be reinstated, Amorim responded: “He will have to wait for the match.

“He is performing well. He is focused on his responsibilities, disregarding public opinion. He does not make excuses, even when encountering challenges.

“In that respect, he serves as a model, and he is ready to play for the team. He is dedicated to doing that.”

Man Utd ratings vs Wolves

By Ken Lawrence

WOLVES delivered an unexpected Boxing Day blow as Manchester United’s struggles continued.

The 2-0 defeat leaves Ruben Amorim with only two victories in the seven Premier League games he has managed.

United find themselves positioned in 14th place in the standings, and today’s match was further complicated by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana conceding a goal straight from a corner.

Here’s how SunSport evaluated the performances…

ANDRE ONANA: 4

He made a crucial save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half but severely misjudged the trajectory of Cunha’s corner leading to the opening goal—his claim of obstruction by Matt Doherty was disregarded.

LENY YORO: 5

Returned to the lineup but was booked within four minutes for a foul on Cunha, putting him at risk for the remainder of the match as he faced constant pressure from Wolves. Substituted shortly after the hour mark.

HARRY MAGUIRE: 6

The England defender exerted significant effort to keep United competitive during the sustained pressure, effectively delaying danger until late in the game, and even managed a header on target during stoppage time.

LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6

Established an effective partnership with Maguire, preventing Wolves from achieving a more comfortable victory. He showed determination and made vital challenges in the closing stages, although Wolves ultimately exploited a breakaway in the dying moments.

NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5

Full of determination but struggled against the standout player on the pitch—Cunha.

MANUEL UGARTE: 5

Faced challenges in withstanding the Wolves attack at times and was substituted in response to Amorim’s changes following Fernandes’s red card.

KOBBIE MAINOO: 5

Displayed potential early on, creating several good opportunities, but faded after receiving a yellow card in the second half and was eventually substituted.

DIOGO DALOT: 6

Made a great save in the first half, providing a rare highlight for United, yet had limited impact on the overall disappointing team performance.

AMAD DIALLO: 5

At times appeared unaware of teammates and seemed to be a lesser version of the player who shone in the Manchester derby less than two weeks prior.

BRUNO FERNANDES: 3

Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow card after fouling Nelson Semedo, showing frustration leading up to his dismissal.

RASMUS HOJLUND: 5

Became visibly frustrated with his teammates’ lack of support, struggled up front, and was substituted in the final ten minutes.

SUBS

Casemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6

Christian Eriksen (for Ugarte, 63 mins): 6

Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6

Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5

Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5