Ruben Amorim has admitted Manchester United now face a gruelling fight against relegation after their latest defeat dragged them closer to the drop zone.
United slumped to a 2-0 loss against Newcastle at Old Trafford last night, a result that leaves them in 14th place and just seven points above third-bottom Ipswich.
The dire performance means Amorim has made the worst start of any United manager in over 100 years, losing five of his first eight league matches.
Still reeling from their fifth loss in their last six games in all competitions, United next face runaway leaders Liverpool and Jamie Carragher issued a dire warning that they are displaying 'relegation form', pinning some of the blame on Amorim.
Speaking post-match, the beleaguered head coach conceded he was embarrassed.
'It is also my fault. I think the team is not improving. It is a little bit lost in this moment,' said Amorim. 'It is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games. But we have to cope with difficult moments in the life of everybody.'
Asked whether United were in danger of the drop, Amorim added: 'That is really clear, so we have to fight. It is a really difficult moment, one of the more difficult moments in the history of Manchester United and we have to address it with honesty.'
Goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton condemned United to more misery while Ipswich's 2-0 victory against Chelsea narrowed their cushion over the bottom three.
'I am responsible,' said Amorim. 'I don't like to arrive here and make excuses. I think people are tired of excuses in this club. I think our club needs a shock and we have to understand that. It is a very difficult moment and we have to fight for the next game.'
The 39-year-old, however, has vowed to stick to his 3-4-3 system and rued the lack of time available to drill home his tactics with his players during training sessions.
'You cannot go back. You have to continue to push,' he said. 'We had four training [sessions] all together. I know what you are trying to reach but it's really clear, I'm here because of my idea and I will continue with my idea until the end.
'I change something tactical in every game. You [media] focus on three defenders, I change on something every game. If I didn't believe then I would change, I'm not stubborn I just believe in something and stick on that.'
'We don't have the base behind the positioning and the way we play to cope with the difficult moments. When you have that, you have something to hold in the game so the players suffered a lot. Newcastle is a better team.'
Gary Neville is also concerned that United have been sucked into the relegation mire.
'He (Amorim) was resolute that he won't change but he must be suffering deep inside,' he said, speaking on Sky Sports. 'I'm worried as well. It was really grim. That first half an hour was hard to watch as a United fan.
'There's no doubt: performances and results have deteriorated in these last few weeks. They're finding it very difficult, some of the players with the system, they're finding it very difficult with the confidence.
'The concern is that they're getting dragged into a fight down there near the bottom.
'I think they've got a lot to do and that is being very, very kind. I don't think this group of players are of the quality of the ones that [Erik] Ten Hag has had, Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] has had, Jose Mourinho has had, or Louis van Gaal.
'They weren't good enough for Manchester United in those periods but they were better teams and better squads than they are currently.'
zihadiklsz
1
How can you decide to work with the devil's club and have a smooth ground
zihadiklsz
1
So sorry for Amorim
yioacekmoz
2
kk
FrankUtd
0
amorim is just hyped so average
Your opinion doesn't count
ExiledDon876
3
Manager for few weeks, supporter for years STFU and do your job the best you can
ExiledDon876
1
You've been the manager for a few weeks, I've been a supporter for years 😔 how the fuck you think I feel
kuucdklmps
2
You will regret leaving Lisbon
foabdeprty
0
I'm not stubborn I just believe in something and stick on that.'....Dey play
worst Manutd manager
UcharaBE
0
amorim is just hyped so average
that's your opinion bruh.
foabdeprty
0
Though it's tough at the moment, I do believe Ruben Amorim will turn it around and all these pundits will be singing his praise because that's what they do when they've been undone.
amorim is just hyped so average
jukbeprtu
1
Amorim should change the three back defensive system if he wants to succeed
tokbeilnz
2
Amorim is the right man.
Paeadknrtz
1
Amorim please help us surrender you cannot manage EPL
powciknsu
0
Resign
UcharaBE
4
Though it's tough at the moment, I do believe Ruben Amorim will turn it around and all these pundits will be singing his praise because that's what they do when they've been undone.
Charlesugwu
2
The 3-4-3 system will send United to the galos. Relegation candidates fight very dirty. Hope they watched IPS match with Chelsea. It won't be easy for United because they aren't used to it
Sadeikmyz
1
A back three formation will never work in the English Premier League. Even a League One team can outclass Man. Utd. Any team that uses a 4-3-3 formation will definitely beat Man. Utd. Let Amorim change the formation; it's not unique to the English Premier League.
Vuailmpuy
2
against Liverpool it will be worse
Vuailmpuy
3
they are going to championship and join queen parks rangers
Pikabcey
2
Please signe pogba coach
Ronbdemruy
0
personal me I hate Amorim because of lineup all the time for now your lineup if players not have injury if you no want go relegation
Nahaciory
1
Get rid of Amiron who does nnot have a clue of the EPL and bring back Van Nistelroy who's very much familiar
Sparkfly101
1
This man 🤣🤣🤣
Lidbeklruy
1
this is Epl , the toughest league in the world and coaching a big club like Manchester United is not a joke , many managers have failed to take the team back to its glory days so he its embarrassing
Lincnoptuz
1
The team is too slow on the ball as if is leading by 20 goals to nil
Wizprince11
0
change that formation Mr Amorim Trust me that formation will wouldn't work in Premier league
What did Mc Kenna used to best Chelsea yesterday 343 conte use to win the league
Vuzelnopsy
2
change that formation Mr Amorim Trust me that formation will wouldn't work in Premier league
Satbdklort
2
but you said that utd will surfer this season
cadbdlmoz
3
his arrogance will cost us a lot
kabceoz
2
EPL is not Portuguese league 😂🤣
wuyclmnpz
2
Me too as a fan of United ( say man united fan)
fudacmnpuy
2
look guys Manchester united problem start from fuguson cuz he never left behind a young and strong foundation... and the people at this club are not patient with coaches even arsene werder.. but looks at Liverpool right now after klopp
takblmrt
3
we always make the same mistakes....it was gigs, Carrick, Rud Van Nisterooy...let them be coaches ....
Sakbcily
4
Terminate your contract
OneLove⚽️
5
If Amorim isn't embarrassed but stubborn because he won't change his 3421 christmas tree🎄 formation.
yuucdeptu
5
You can resign, can't you
Litelntz
3
this just goes to show that even they themselves are still surprise and confused at how they won against man city...
Litelntz
2
REALLY AFTER CONJURING UP FERGIE TIME TO BEAT CITY NOW YOU EMBARASSED TO BE THE RED DEVILS MANAGER WOWW
jojo88
2
I'm not stubborn I just believe in something and stick on that.'....Dey play
Sonbeiouz
4
If this guy can't change the system of play he will be sack very soon
Huyadeiory
3
That is what Manu does to great people. Currently a great big wrecking ball. For the sake of the whole league, please fix the club.
jhkr
3
the problem is the talking much instead of focusing on work if he keep on focusing on media he will end up like others
wimlmpru
4
he make cannot make it to a new level