Ruben Amorim's assessment of his team's performance is stark. Twelve months on from their last visit to Old Trafford, which ended in a 4-0 thrashing, the Manchester United manager can still pinpoint where they fell short. For 77 minutes, with their opponents reduced to 10 men, the home side struggled to impose themselves.
What followed was a sobering reminder of just how far away United are from the level they should be. Young defenders Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro gave the ball away under no pressure, while Amad Diallo took the wrong option as he tried to cause a nuisance. Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes failed to execute correctly as chances went begging.
The normally reliable Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo were given extended runs but failed to press their claims for more game time. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens made a questionable attempt to save Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's first-half effort, which ultimately proved decisive.
Amorim has repeatedly expressed his concerns about United's evolution and now he's saying the same thing: they're nowhere near what they should be. The pressure is mounting, and with a trip to Crystal Palace looming, Amorim knows that one more slip-up could send them tumbling back down the table.
The question on everyone's lips is how far away are United from becoming a top-four team? They've spent £250m in the summer trying to lift this group of players but it seems like that investment hasn't translated into success just yet. The manager has admitted that he feels a familiar feeling of frustration and disappointment after watching his side struggle against a 10-man Everton.
Amorim agrees with David Moyes that the Gueye-Keane spat showed a welcome sign of desire from United's players, but it came at a price – an unnecessary red card. Amorim hopes to see more of this kind of intensity from his own team but for now, they need to be better.
The team has taken steps forward in recent months, earning manager of the month awards in October and November, but regression is taking its toll. The players are trying but United still can't seem to find consistency. Amorim knows that if he doesn't get his side back on track soon, they risk returning to the struggles of last season.
"We need to work together," Amorim said. "We're going to work together. The players are trying but we need to be better." For United fans, this is a familiar refrain – will it be different next time? Only time will tell if Ruben Amorim's words will prove prophetic or just another example of how far away the team remains from true greatness.
What followed was a sobering reminder of just how far away United are from the level they should be. Young defenders Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro gave the ball away under no pressure, while Amad Diallo took the wrong option as he tried to cause a nuisance. Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes failed to execute correctly as chances went begging.
The normally reliable Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo were given extended runs but failed to press their claims for more game time. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens made a questionable attempt to save Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's first-half effort, which ultimately proved decisive.
Amorim has repeatedly expressed his concerns about United's evolution and now he's saying the same thing: they're nowhere near what they should be. The pressure is mounting, and with a trip to Crystal Palace looming, Amorim knows that one more slip-up could send them tumbling back down the table.
The question on everyone's lips is how far away are United from becoming a top-four team? They've spent £250m in the summer trying to lift this group of players but it seems like that investment hasn't translated into success just yet. The manager has admitted that he feels a familiar feeling of frustration and disappointment after watching his side struggle against a 10-man Everton.
Amorim agrees with David Moyes that the Gueye-Keane spat showed a welcome sign of desire from United's players, but it came at a price – an unnecessary red card. Amorim hopes to see more of this kind of intensity from his own team but for now, they need to be better.
The team has taken steps forward in recent months, earning manager of the month awards in October and November, but regression is taking its toll. The players are trying but United still can't seem to find consistency. Amorim knows that if he doesn't get his side back on track soon, they risk returning to the struggles of last season.
"We need to work together," Amorim said. "We're going to work together. The players are trying but we need to be better." For United fans, this is a familiar refrain – will it be different next time? Only time will tell if Ruben Amorim's words will prove prophetic or just another example of how far away the team remains from true greatness.
. They're spendin' big money, tryna shake off the past, but it seems like they're still tryin' to figure out who's on the bus 
. Their defense is a mess, and their attack is just meh 
. Amorim's frustrations are valid, and I'm rootin' for him to get his team back on track 
. But till then, it's gonna be tough for them to reach that top-four spot 
. They need to tighten up and find consistency before they can start makin' waves in the Premier League 
️.
. He's saying they're nowhere near what they should be, and I'm like, okay, that's a pretty fair assessment, but where's the proof? What are the metrics that show they've regressed? Are there stats or data to back up this claim?
and with a crucial match against Crystal Palace coming up, their season is looking more uncertain by the minute 
I mean, they've splashed out £250m on players and still can't seem to get it together. The defending is shambolic and their midfield is all over the place. They need to sort out their defense first and stop giving away freebies like that 
Amad Diallo taking the wrong option? Unbelievable! 
And what's with the goalkeeper trying to save a goal from behind his own line? 
Ruben Amorim needs to get his team on track ASAP or they'll be back in the relegation zone in no time 
. And with Crystal Palace coming up, it's gonna be a nightmare if they can't sort themselves out 
. I've seen this movie before, and trust me, it won't end well 
. The manager's words are music to my ears, but what's the point of saying it if you're not gonna back it up with action? 
. It's like, they've got some promising talent but they just can't seem to put it all together 
. He's not afraid to speak his mind and he wants that top-four spot badly 
.