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Ruben Amorim says ‘really clear’ Manchester United are in a relegation battle - ‘We have to fight’
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Updated 31/12/2024 at 10:55 GMT
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim suffered his fourth Premier League defeat in five games as his side lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle United. With The Red Devils in 14th position in the league, Amorim accepted that the club were at risk of being drawn into a relegation battle. United's next match is a trip to Liverpool before playing Arsenal in the FA Cup.
‘A little bit embarrassing’ – Amorim takes responsibility for Man Utd struggles
Video credit: SNTV
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said his side "have to fight" to not be drawn into a relegation battle after their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
The visitors were by far the better side on Monday night at Old Trafford, and defensive mistakes once again cost The Red Devils - a theme that was consistent under previous manager Erik ten Hag and which has not improved under the Portuguese.
The defeat leaves United in 14th spot, with four defeats in their last five matches, as their dreadful season continues at the end of 2024.
Speaking after the loss, Amorim was asked if his team were at risk of being sucked into a relegation battle, and the coach accepted that it was a possibility.
He told Sky Sports: "That is really clear, and we have to fight. It’s a really difficult moment, one of the more difficult moments in the history of Manchester United, and we have to address it with honesty and to be clear with that. We have to fight, we’ll see."
There have been some questions over Amorim’s commitment to his tactical approach, which has seen him stick to a 3-4-3 system, while Ten Hag had assembled a squad that played with four at the back.
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Asked about his consistent choice of formation, Amorim said that while he has stuck to three at the back, he has made plenty of other tweaks from one game to the next.
He explained: "In every game I change something tactical. You focus on the three defenders, you can focus on that. I change for every game, and you can see it.
"If I did not believe, I would change, because I am not stubborn. I believe in something and I really stick on that."
United face a challenging start to the new year, with their first match a visit to league leaders Liverpool at Anfield, before they face Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup.
Amorim: Zirkzee ‘OK’ after first-half substitution
There were jeers for Joshua Zirkzee when the forward was subbed off after just 33 minutes, and the player initially headed down the tunnel to go to the dressing room.
However, the Dutchman soon came back to sit with his team-mates, and Amorim said that while he was understandably affected, he had later felt appreciated by the club’s supporters.
He told the post-match press conference: "It's a very difficult moment, and he's a human being, but then he felt the support of the fans, and he's OK."
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