New Delhi: Could things get any worse for Manchester United? A dismal 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford has plunged the team to new depths, marking their second consecutive home loss to the Cherries in as many seasons. The result leaves United languishing in 13th place heading into Christmas, It is the first time that the Red Devils have been in the bottom half of the table at this stage since the pre-Premier League era.
As the final whistle blew fans voiced their anger booing Ruben Amorim’s side off the pitch. Adding to their frustration is a controversial ticket price increase to £66 with no concessions, leading supporters to plan protests alongside Liverpool fans when the teams meet in January. As if the on-field struggles weren’t enough, a ceiling leak during Amorim’s post-match press conference drenched some journalists, adding to the frustration.
The leak in the roof during the press conference sums up everything at Manchester United in recent history.
There has been such a massive drop in standards. . . . 😔 pic.twitter.com/VVK4kY67MK
— Man United Fan Club (@manufcnow) December 23, 2024
Set-piece woes and defensive failures
Manchester United’s defensive issues have become glaring, with the team conceding 17 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this year, marking their worst-ever record in a calendar year. Bournemouth capitalized on their weakness when Ryan Christie’s free-kick found teenage defender Dean Huijsen, who headed home with ease. Something similar has also happened against Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham this seaosn, highlighting a recurring problem Amorim has yet to address.
🚨📉 Man United conceded 17 goals in 9 games under Rúben Amorim as new head coach.
Three (!) more today vs Bournemouth. 🍒 pic.twitter.com/53Ro26hNs7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 22, 2024
Despite the glaring set-piece vulnerability, Amorim defended his coaching staff. “The responsibility is on me, not Carlos [Fernandes],” he said, referring to the set-piece coach brought from Sporting. Yet fans are once again left questioning what solutions are being implemented to fix such a basic but costly flaw.
Lisandro Martinez echoed the urgency, stating, “We have to work on set-pieces especially. If they don’t score their first goal from a set-piece it is a totally different game.”
Lack of creativity in midfield
While Amorim has instilled a sense of control in United’s play with 60% possession and more shots on target than Bournemouth, these statistics mean little when the results continue to be dismal. Their inability to convert chances remains a glaring issue with only Bruno Fernandes offering any consistent threat in the final third.
“Everybody is tired of these moments” 😩
Ruben Amorim insists Manchester United will turn things around but that it will take time after a heavy home defeat to Bournemouth ⏱ pic.twitter.com/H1t5v19Sg5
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 23, 2024
Amorim’s decision to trust Tyrell Malacia as a left wing-back backfired as the Dutchman struggled defensively and was finally substituted at halftime. Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, and even the experienced Bruno Fernandes failed to inspire a turnaround. Marcus Rashford was also left out of the squad for the third consecutive game and was seen watching helplessly from the stands.
“It depends, we will see,” Amorim said when asked if Rashford might return for their Boxing Day clash against Wolves, hinting at uncertainty over his selection decisions.
A Battle on multiple fronts
Amorim’s reign has offered glimpses of improvement in terms of possession and control but the problems at Manchester United run deeper than tactics. Conceding soft goals, missing attacking quality, and failing to rally the fans has left the Portuguese coach searching for answers in what feels like an uphill battle now.
The road ahead looks daunting and United urgently need to address their increasing defensive frailties and rediscover their attacking spark, the once-mighty club risks becoming an afterthought in the league they once dominated. Ruben Amorim has inherited a sinking ship – but can he steady it before it’s too late?
Manchester United’s struggles deepen after a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, raising concerns about defensive errors and tactical challenges. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
