A year after his first warning
Ruben Amorim issued another firm warning about rising expectations. Manchester United beat Everton 4–0 in this fixture last season, yet he predicted trouble ahead. One year later, the same weaknesses returned. A heated clash between Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane dominated the early action. United spent 77 minutes against ten men but failed to make the most of their advantage.
United fail to capitalize on superiority
Amorim watched his players struggle at critical moments. Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro lost possession under no pressure as Everton gained momentum. Amad Diallo made poor decisions while replacing the injured Matheus Cunha. Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes missed clear opportunities. Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo failed to make the most of their chances while chasing World Cup ambitions. Senne Lammens reacted poorly to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s decisive strike. Zirkzee forced Jordan Pickford into a late save, but United created no sustained threat.
Amorim delivers a blunt assessment
Amorim warned before the match that a strong run could collapse quickly. He said United remain far from the level needed to challenge for top positions. United held leads at Nottingham Forest and Tottenham but failed to maintain control. They needed late equalisers to avoid defeat. This match offered a chance to rise to fifth. Matching last season’s result would have lifted them to fourth. Yet they lost at home despite playing most of the match against ten men. United had never lost a league match at Old Trafford after an opponent received a red card, having previously won 36 and drawn 10 of 46 such games.
Amorim said the crowd expected progress. He said his players were not ready to deliver it. He repeated that United remain far from the standards the club demands.
Uncertainty over United’s direction
One year after Amorim’s first game, the main question is how far this squad still must develop. United face no European distractions and spent £250m in the summer. They sit tenth but remain close to the top four. Upcoming fixtures offer opportunities to regain momentum. When they finished eighth under Erik ten Hag, the club deemed the outcome unacceptable.
Amorim described frustration and disappointment. He said Everton deserved their victory. He said United must win matches like this without excuses. He agreed with David Moyes that the Gueye-Keane clash showed desire. He wants that intensity from his own players, but without red cards.
He said fighting does not mean players dislike each other. He said fighting shows urgency and shared responsibility. He said he wants his players to fight each other after losing the ball because it prevents goals.
Regression after signs of progress
After strong form in October and a manager of the month award, November brought setbacks. The team still lacks a clear identity. Amorim seems to share that uncertainty. He said he fears returning to last season’s mindset, when every match carried anxiety. Avoiding that decline remains his main concern.
He said the squad must work together. He said the players try hard but must improve decisively.
