Manchester United’s difficulties worsened on Boxing Day with a 2-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers, marking their third straight loss across all competitions. Manager Ruben Amorim didn’t hide his discontent, focusing his criticism on captain Bruno Fernandes, whose red card early in the second half played a decisive role in the outcome of the game.
The match at Molineux Stadium turned against United shortly after halftime when Fernandes was sent off for a reckless challenge, earning his second yellow card. This incident swung the momentum in Wolves’ favor, and they quickly capitalized on the advantage. Matheus Cunha scored in the 58th minute, delivering a corner that bizarrely went straight into the net, leaving goalkeeper Andre Onana helpless. Wolves secured the victory with a stoppage-time goal from Hwang Hee-Chan, pushing United down to 14th place in the Premier League, perilously close to the relegation zone.
After the match, Amorim’s frustration was evident. Reports indicated he ignored Fernandes as the midfielder left the field, underscoring his disappointment in the captain’s lack of discipline. While Amorim stopped short of openly criticizing Fernandes, he highlighted the significant impact the red card had on the team’s chances. He remarked, “Winning in the Premier League is hard enough with 11 players. With 10, it’s almost impossible.”
This defeat has increased pressure on Amorim, who has now suffered five losses in his first ten matches since replacing Erik ten Hag. This makes him the fastest United manager to accumulate such a record in the Premier League era. Reflecting on the challenging start, Amorim admitted, “I manage, but I didn’t train [the players]. They need time to adapt. Right now, we just have to survive and buy time to work on the team.”
United’s struggles are compounded by upcoming absences, as both Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte will miss the next match against Newcastle United due to suspensions. With the squad already underperforming, these setbacks have further dampened fan morale. One supporter lamented, “No Bruno and Ugarte against Newcastle. What’s the point? Get rid of the whole lot.”
Amorim has also taken a firm approach to discipline, most notably in his handling of Marcus Rashford. The forward has been sidelined for the past four matches after expressing a desire to leave and, according to Amorim, has not shown the attitude needed to rejoin the squad. “It’s always the same reason,” Amorim said. “We have to maintain professionalism, win or lose. I’ll stick to my principles until the end.”
The team’s recent performances have fueled growing discontent among fans, with many questioning the players’ commitment and Amorim’s tactics. Known for his tactical expertise during his unbeaten run at Sporting CP, Amorim is under immense pressure to translate his approach to the Premier League. One frustrated fan remarked, “This United team needs an open surgery.”
As the challenges mount, Amorim faces a critical period in his tenure at Old Trafford. With tough fixtures ahead, including a match against an in-form Newcastle side, the need for immediate results is clear. Failure to turn things around could not only jeopardize United’s season but also Amorim’s position in the unforgiving world of top-tier football management.
Leave a Reply