Ruben Amorim described his Manchester United side as “perhaps the worst team in the history of Manchester United”.
Brighton secured a 3-1 win at Old Trafford on Sunday to keep United bottom of the Premier League as Amorim's torrid start to his tenure at the club continued.
“In 10 games in the Premier League, we won two,” said Amorim.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Brighton's Premier League win over Manchester United
“Imagine what this is for a Manchester United fan. Imagine what this is for me. So we get a new coach who loses more than the previous coach. I know about it.
“Like I said, I won't change, no matter what. I know we can make it, but we need to survive this moment. Because I'm not naive and I know that now we have to survive.
“We are possibly the worst team in the history of Manchester United. I know you want titles, but I say that because we have to admit it and change it. Here you go, your titles.”
Bruno Fernandes applauds the fans after Man Utd's 3-1 defeat by Brighton
United are currently 13th in the Premier League. Bruno Fernandes' penalty was United's only shot on target in the defeat to Brighton.
“I don't understand at the moment,” said the United captain. “We keep talking about how difficult it is to play at Old Trafford. How can Man Utd have difficulty playing at home with the atmosphere we have, the great stadium and everything?”
Is this the worst Manchester United team in history?
Amorim described his Manchester United side as “perhaps the worst team in the history of Manchester United”, so do the Portuguese have a point? Here's what the stats say:
- At this stage of the season, only 13 United teams have taken fewer points in the club's history – the last time in 1986-87.
- United suffered their sixth Premier League defeat of the season, the most in the first 12 home games of a Premier League season since 1893-94 (7)
- United have conceded the first goal in each of their last five Premier League games at Old Trafford, their longest ever run in the competition, and have done so five times in a row between August and October 2023.
- United have lost 10 of their 22 Premier League games this season, the earliest in a league campaign in which they have lost double figures since 1989-90 under Alex Ferguson (also game 22)
'Players and fans will suffer – but it will bring results'
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reflects on another home defeat as the Red Devils fell to a 3-1 defeat at Brighton
In his post-game interview with Sky SportsAmorim has doubled down on his intention not to change his style of play at Manchester United, despite concerns about his 3-4-3 formation.
But when asked if things will continue like this for a while until the Portuguese can stamp his team, Amorim replied: “It's clear. It's clear with me. Because I'm not going to change the way. I'm clear about that.
“The players will suffer, I'm sorry, the fans will suffer. I have one way of doing things, I know it will (bring) results. But we have to endure these moments. I think it's very clear to everyone what we're going to do.”
When asked about accepting whether results like this would continue, United captain Fernandes replied: “It can't be. I understand the perspective from the outside. But we can't be comfortable thinking it's OK. Because it's not.
“I'm not here to lose games and be in the position we're in right now. But I know that nobody in that dressing room is and if anybody is, they can't be here.”
How bad were United against Brighton?
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Sky Sports' Anton Toloui and Adam Bate discuss United's defeat to Brighton and whether boss Ruben Amorim is asking for more trouble by not changing his approach, despite their poor form.
Sky Sports' Adam Bate at Old Trafford: “Disappointingly bad from United again. They saved it in the second half against Southampton, this time Brighton deservedly took the game away from them. Amorim warned it was going to be a rollercoaster. This was another downfall.”
Jamie O'Hara on Sky Sports News: “Big, big problems for Man Utd. I'm not sure about the Amors with the 3-4-3. They were miles away from it. It was a really poor performance. They didn't offer anything.”
Sam Blitz from Sky Sports: “Before the match, Ruben Amorim complained that opponents were finding it too easy against his side at Old Trafford – and then he watched his side completely submit to Brighton. Remember, this is a Seagulls side that had gone eight league games without a clean sheet before this week wins. What would have been the result if United had played as a team?”