Things are looking increasingly bleak for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim.
The team’s recent form has been dismal, with the Red Devils suffering five defeats in their last six games.
This streak has left them languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, just seven points above relegation-threatened Ipswich Town.
The 2-0 loss at home to Newcastle on Monday night has raised alarm bells, especially with United now sitting 19th in the form table over the last six matches.
With only one win and five losses, the team’s chances of improving as we head into the new year are starting to look slimmer.
A Steep Decline in Form and Confidence
United began December on a high note, with a commanding 4-0 victory over Everton.
However, since then, they’ve lost their last three home games to Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and now Newcastle.
This poor run has left the team’s prospects for the New Year looking grim.
Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, expressed his concerns about the team’s direction.
“It was really grim. That first half an hour was hard to watch as a United fan,” he admitted.
According to Neville, the team’s performances and results have deteriorated in recent weeks.
He also noted that many players are struggling with the system and a lack of confidence, with United now facing the real threat of a relegation battle.
Neville Critiques the Squad’s Quality
Neville went on to compare the current United squad with those from previous years, stating that even though the past United teams were not up to par, they were still better than what we’re seeing now.
“I don’t think this group of players are of the quality of the ones that Ten Hag, Ole, Jose, or Louis van Gaal had,” he said, adding that the current squad lacks the necessary balance and energy to compete at the highest level.
Newcastle Takes Advantage Early
Newcastle wasted no time exploiting United’s weaknesses.
Just four minutes into the match, Alexander Isak put them ahead, and 19 minutes later, Joelinton doubled their lead with a powerful header.
United’s defense was left exposed, and Amorim’s tactics have yet to bring the kind of turnaround many had hoped for following Erik ten Hag’s departure.
Tactical Missteps and Player Struggles
Neville also pointed to tactical issues, particularly in midfield, where he believes Casemiro and Christian Eriksen should not be paired together.
“They can’t play them as a two in midfield with those massive gaps that exist,” Neville argued.
He went on to explain how these gaps leave the team vulnerable, and with both players lacking the required energy, it makes them ill-suited to partner each other in central midfield.
Neville also questioned Amorim’s decision to deploy players like Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot as wing-backs.
He felt that this setup wouldn’t create enough attacking opportunities, which was evident in the result.
The Road Ahead: Tough Decisions and Struggles
As United’s situation becomes more precarious, Neville’s comments reflect growing frustration and concern about the team’s future.
He questioned whether Eriksen and Casemiro can continue to start together and emphasized that their lack of energy could prove problematic for the remainder of the season.
“The last thing Eriksen sees alongside him is someone who’s got a lack of energy,” Neville pointed out.
With more injuries likely, United may have no choice but to rely on these aging players, but it’s clear that major changes are needed if they are to avoid a disastrous season.
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