‘It’s really hard for me…’: Amorim makes telling ‘survival’ admission amid nightmare Man Utd start

Stretty News

·28 février 2025

‘It’s really hard for me…’: Amorim makes telling ‘survival’ admission amid nightmare Man Utd start

Manchester United found a way to secure three points against Ipswich Town.

There’s no telling how the match would have played out if it weren’t for the first-half red card by Patrick Dorgu. Regardless, once again, Ruben Amorim’s side found themselves a lot on the backfoot.

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However, the boss’s post-game presser spoke on an interesting aspect. Naturally, Old Trafford fans want to see attractive, attacking football. But the new, current reality may prove that to be entirely unattainable. At least for the time being.

Survive and advance, at least for now

(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Playing certain styles takes time to implement and learn. This can be even more difficult if a certain way becomes a habit. Skittish buildup and playing more defensively have unfortunately become hallmarks at the club.

Speaking with reporters following Wednesday’s victory, the Portuguese coach confirmed this notion:

Of course we need to survive, but it’s really hard for me to play like we play(ed) in the second half. But I feel that the players are more comfortable sometimes defending in the low block.

This answer stemmed from a question of potentially looking to be more in control. After all, good sides need to be able to showcase their quality, particularly at home. Instead, it appears that Man Utd faithful are forced to repeatedly sit through agonizing 90 minutes of action.

However, it briefly appeared that the hosts would breeze through a comfortable win. After Matthijs de Ligt’s goal, all momentum was in favor of the Red Devils. And despite once again conceding early, the run of play started to highly favor Man Utd.

Unfortunately, playing with only 10 forced the side to scrap. They proved successful. The lead was not only regained, but Ipswich Town never truly threatened to steal the point. This speaks to Amorim’s words. The lads are comfortable engaging in a lengthy, bruising battle in the box at either end. This is the preferred approach right now. However, the manager’s next comments indicate that this will not always be the case.

Looking ahead for Man Utd

Everyone knows that holding on for dear life isn’t sustainable. This is particularly true if Man Utd is to mount a true English Premier League challenge anytime soon. Amorim’s ensuing comments clarified:

We clearly need to create more chances. Especially, we need to score more goals. I think that is a big issue in our team. And when we think in the future, we need to address that.

This team deserves credit for fighting back. They allowed the first goal. Furthermore, they clawed back and hung on while being a man down for 45-plus minutes. Perseverance will serve future campaigns well. And being able to win in multiple ways will be an asset.

But it can’t stay like this. And Amorim knows this. He will demand more from the players. And anyone who can’t step up to the challenge or just doesn’t fit in his 3-4-3 system will have to move on.

For today, it’s ok to be pleased with the win. Heading in, many wanted dominance. Due to how the game itself unfolded, this is a largely acceptable result. The team pillars being built are correct. After years of attempting to compete from a poor foundation, Man Utd supporters are beginning to see progress in the right areas.