Ruben Amorim has once again blamed his players for Man United‘s form despite previously saying he regretted labelling his side as ‘maybe the worst’ in the club’s history.
The Man United boss damaged a TV screen in Man United’s dressing room during a furious rant at his players after last week’s 3-1 home defeat by Brighton.
Amorim then sent shockwaves around Old Trafford, in an explosive press conference, by saying: ‘We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United. I know you (media) want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that.’
The Portuguese tried to backpeddle from those comments this week by insisting he was referring to his own shortcomings.
‘I was talking more for myself than my players because I was talking that (I am) a coach who starts out losing seven games in the first (15). So it’s more for me,’ he said. ‘So I understand I give you that headline and I am frustrated sometimes. Sometimes I should not say it in these terms, but it is what it is and that’s it. Sometimes it’s really hard to hide the frustration in the moment.’
But, as he prepared for Sunday’s Premier League match at Fulham, Amorim couldn’t resist aiming a dig at his players again.
Ruben Amorim again criticised his players ahead of the Premier League clash at Fulham
Alejandro Garnacho (right) and Co. were warming up as their manager aimed a dig at them
Ex-Man United defender Rio Ferdinand continues to be concerned at his former club’s form
When asked by TNT Sports what he was looking for against Marco Silva’s side, the 39-year-old said: ‘A better performance. We have to focus because it’s the only way. We want to be good on the ball.
‘Rhythm they have because they are all playing. We have to keep them fresh for every match. We don’t have a lot of training. I try to see the best options to play the game.
‘Silva understands the way I’m trying to play, he’s a great guy, he’s a top coach. He understands English football. In the end it’s the players.’
There was some respite for Man United midweek when they beat Rangers in the Europa League thanks to a last-minute winner from Bruno Fernandes.
However, with United still closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places in the Premier League table, their domestic form continues to cause anguish for all those associated with the club.
And Rio Ferdinand, who won six league titles at the club, is certain the mood in the United dressing room is very dark.
When asked on TNT Sports if it was embarrassing, he said: ‘If you’re one of the players it is (embarrassing). You look at the goals against and think where are we? Those guys have to work to improve that.
‘I don’t know if I’m surprised (by lack of progress). The task was never one you’d look at and think it’s an easy fix. I did expect quicker progress. You’ve got to give him a chance in this window and the next. I did expect a bit more at this time.’