Amorim's Frustration with United
Ruben Amorim has voiced his concerns regarding Manchester United's ongoing struggles, particularly after their recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield. Despite showcasing some improved moments during the match, the result emphasized the ongoing challenges as the team remains in the lower half of the Premier League standings.
Frustration After Liverpool Clash
Amorim's frustration was evident following the match, as he indicated that his players should feel "really, really mad" about their inconsistency. United initially took the lead through Lisandro Martinez, but Liverpool quickly responded with goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, shifting the match's momentum. Amad Diallo's late equalizer salvaged a point for United, yet the performance raised ongoing questions regarding their reliability.
De Ligt's Handball Incident
A pivotal moment in the match occurred when Matthijs de Ligt was penalized for a handball. The incident arose when a header from Alexis Mac Allister struck De Ligt's arm. Initially, referee Michael Oliver did not award a penalty, but after a VAR review, he reversed his decision, citing that De Ligt's arm was in an unnatural position. Mohamed Salah converted the penalty, complicating United's efforts further.
Concerns About Team's Commitment
Before this draw, United had faced a troubling streak of four consecutive losses across all competitions. This prompted Amorim to address the pressing issue of relegation, emphasizing the need for consistent effort from his players. Although the performance against Liverpool represented progress, he expressed confusion over why such intensity could not be maintained against other opponents.
Moving Forward
While recognizing the improved performance against Liverpool, Amorim conveyed disappointment with the overall result. He stressed the need for the team to maintain their competitive spirit in upcoming matches and avoid complacency. Amorim stated, "We need to fight to get out of this situation," highlighting the importance of consistency as they aim to improve their league position.
Character and Focus
Amorim emphasized the importance of character and focus, noting that the team has shown they can compete when fully engaged. He pointed out that players need to combat perceptions of lacking ability and character, underscoring that consistent effort is crucial for success. The coach is adamant that maintaining focus and fighting for every ball will elevate the team's overall performance.
