Ruben Amorim believes Manchester United deserve to be higher than 16th in the Premier League table – but is reluctant to say it because people would think he is ‘crazy’.
United are already doomed to finish in their lowest position in the Premier League era, and could even end up one place above the relegation zone if they do not pick up points from Friday’s visit to Chelsea and the final game of the season against Aston Villa at Old Trafford a week on Sunday.
Amorim admitted after last weekend’s defeat to West Ham that he is ‘embarrassed’ by the situation, and also expressed concerns that his players are too ready to accept defeat.
However, he believes the statistics – particularly in front of goal – show that United should be winning more games and higher up the table, although making that point might leave him open to ridicule.
‘It is hard to talk about that without looking like a crazy guy, but if you see the XG (expected goals), for example, in the last games, ours is bigger,’ said the United boss.
‘Against Wolves, we are so near and they score a set-piece. This was the first time they reach our goal and they score and we had our opportunities, especially in the second half.
Ruben Amorim believes Man United deserve to be higher that 16th in the Premier League
The Red Devils slumped to 16th in the table after losing to West Ham last weekend
Amorim admits his claim leaves him at risk of looking a ‘crazy guy’ given their struggles
‘I can understand that but it is hard to talk about that in this moment. Let’s focus on finishing in a good way and then we will prepare the future at the end of the season.’
Amorim has spoken to his players about the importance of finishing the Premier League season strongly, even though they have the Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday night.
As United prepare to face Chelsea, he added: ‘The best way is to face the game like we should face the game: it is to win the game. We need to perform, we need to win points in Premier League and that is the feeling.
‘We talk about that after West Ham. We need to improve in the way we face competitions. Stay focused in every moment of the game because against West Ham we had clear situations to score. From West Ham’s first opportunity, they score one goal so these small details matter.
‘The only way I know to prepare a final is in the normal game we must play the same way as a final.’