Ruben Amorim says Manchester United are defending their own box “laxly”, adding that the club has little time to find stability and wins and must do so now.
Against Nottingham Forest on November 1, Manchester United conceded two goals in the first two minutes of the second half. They drew 2-2, the same result as against Tottenham the following week.
David Moyes’ side, who played most of the match with 10 men, scored with their only shot on target to beat Man United 1-0 on Monday Night Football against Everton.
This season, Amorim’s team has scored and conceded the same number of goals (19 each), and the head coach has been critical of his team’s defensive play.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace, he said: “We didn’t put as many teams into the final third, but we were very lax around the box so we need to improve on that.”
“Especially against Forest, we received a lot of crosses, but we couldn’t press well at that moment.In the game against Everton, we had 10 players, so we couldn’t afford to concede, but we conceded a goal with only one shot on target.
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“We are closer to the box, we have more players than Everton and we should be better. We are stronger in duels and Crystal Palace are very strong in duels and really strong when they have to defend.”
“These things can change the way you look at the team, but we need to improve in a lot of ways. We’re scoring goals, we need to keep them out. That’s a problem. It’s not about the defenders, it’s about the team, it’s about how they perceive danger near the box.”
“It’s not just the numbers, it’s concerning that Nottingham Forest conceded two goals in two minutes after half-time.
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“Against Tottenham we controlled the game and we had the same number of players when they scored. We are in a good position but we have to be better and more attacking. That’s my biggest concern.”
“It’s how you look at the game and understand that if you were better in this moment, you could have scored more points and the story would be different.”
Man United have won three in a row in the Premier League, but are yet to win in a league match in November and will be hoping for a win at Selhurst Park this weekend.
Amorim also pointed out that the pressure to win at Man United is stronger than at any other club and it will take time to find consistency in winning, something many don’t have the luxury of.
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He added: “I think it’s obvious that every club takes time to get ready for everything, especially in the Premier League. They’ve improved a lot.”
“We need to win now. If we don’t win, something will change and we know that. We just need to get better.
“Look at our game. Did we win the last game? Yes, we had everything to win. It was the same against Forest, they were struggling but we were unbeaten in three games and didn’t win. Same with Tottenham.”
“It’s the urgency to win. It’s not good to be at United and not win. We don’t have time here, so that’s always frustrating. We know we need time, but we don’t have time here. So let’s do everything we can to win the game.”
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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is optimistic that he can strengthen his squad by bringing in further reinforcements in the January transfer window.
There were also doubts about Koby Mainu, who has yet to secure a regular place at Manchester United. He was one of England’s bright spots at Euro 2024, but has lacked playing time at club level and is on the brink of competing for next summer’s World Cup.
He played 30 minutes against Everton on Monday and Amorim has not ruled out him being used as a starter in the future, but is focused on positive results.
“This is a team sport. I have a lot of players on my team who want to be in the World Cup,” he said.
Koby Mainu struggles for minutes at Manchester United
“I used Coby[against Everton]because he’s really good around the box. Between him and Bruno (Fernandes), he can find spaces around the box and score goals, so that was my idea.”
“I’m going to try to win with Coby and the rest of the squad. I’m not focused on one person, I’m focused on all the players and I know how special it is to play in the World Cup.”
“My job is to win as a team and focus as a team. Koby Mainu is in the same situation as the other players. If he thinks it’s best to win the game, he will do it.”
“Like any other player, I look at him as a starter. I just have to make a choice, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t Coby. I don’t know the future. I just want to win games. I don’t care who plays.”
