Surely Manchester United and its legions of fans have been through enough after hitting rock bottom?
Apparently, the answer is no. That’s according to new United coach Ruben Amorim.
United lost 3-1 to Brighton in their encounter on Sunday evening, in what was a sixth loss in 11 Premier League matches since Amorim took the reigns in November last year.
In what was a slightly surprising assessment of his team even despite their struggles, Amorim did not hold back in his criticism of his charges.
"We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United," Amorim said after the match.
"I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go: your headlines.”
United now have just one win in their last six league outings, which has seen them fall to 13th on the table. In fact, United were just one spot lower on the table when previous coach Erik ten Hag received the axe on October 28.
Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was in charge as interim coach before United hired Amorim. However, when Amorim took charge Van Nistelrooy was also shown the door despite an unbeaten run in his four games in charge.
Now after 22 games in the league, United have just seven wins, five draws and 10 losses to their name.
United’s lowly position on the log with 26 points, sees them just 10 points above the relegation zone. For reference, table-toppers Liverpool have 50 points from 21 games.
It’s not the biggest surprise to see United’s struggles intensify with a new coach, especially since he has changed their playing structure to a 3-4-3 formation.
Amorim employed three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards for the majority of his time in charge of Sporting Lisbon and is now implementing that at United.
United are still clearly in a teething phase with all the changes, and the situation may worsen before any glimpses of long-term improvement begin to emerge.
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