Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has delivered a scathing evaluation of his team after their surprising 1-0 home defeat to Everton, describing the loss as fully deserved.
Speaking after the match, according to BBC Sports on Tuesday, Amorim said his players failed to compete with Everton’s intensity and quality, even though the visitors were reduced to 10 men early in the game.
The crucial moment came just 20 minutes in, when Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent off for slapping teammate Michael Keane. Despite enjoying a numerical advantage for more than 70 minutes, United failed to make it count.
“They were the better team. We deserved to lose,” Amorim said bluntly. “Twenty minutes in the game, red card for the opponent. We need to win this game no matter what.”
The Portuguese coach admitted the performance was below expectations, especially with the pressure and energy of playing at Old Trafford.
“Old Trafford was there saying ‘we are all here to give a big step up’ and I felt that we were not ready,” he said. “Again, these five weeks, when everyone is praising our evolution, I’m always saying the same things. We are not even near what we’re supposed to be in this club.”
Manchester United spent £250 million in the summer to rebuild a squad that finished a shocking 15th last season. However, inconsistency remains a major issue. The defeat leaves United 10th in the Premier League, part of a tight cluster of four clubs including Tottenham, Everton, and Liverpool, just three points off the top four.
