By Martin Graham
Ruben Amorim did not hide his emotions afterwards Manchester United’s 1-1 stalemate with West Ham.
“Frustrated, angry,” he said immediately, a reaction that echoed around Old Trafford as sections of the home support voiced their displeasure at full-time. His comments also echoed the sentiments of former boss Roy Keane, who described the state of mind at United in similar language and questioned the reliability of the current squad.
Keane argued that while there is potential in attack, there are glaring flaws in defense and midfield, issues which he believes continue to undermine progress.
Amorim spoke with unusual irritation, though he insisted he was composed. He stressed there would be no repeat of his outburst after the Brighton defeat in January, when he was injured and damaged the kit in the dressing room.
Instead, he aims to calmly address Carrington’s concerns, convinced that immediate post-match criticism only fuels unnecessary tension. However, it was clear to me where things were going wrong.
The United manager recognized exactly why his players were unable to preserve the lead he gave them in the second half Diogo Dalot. And he understood how Soungoutou high he reacted faster after that Noussair Mazraoui’s goal line blocking from by Jarrod Bowen headed in, firing in his first Premier League goal with seven minutes remaining.
Nuno EspÃrito Santo believed his side deserved the draw, pointing out that West Ham had picked up just two points away from home since their solitary win at Nottingham Forest in August.
For Amorim, the decisive moment came from a simple situation: a long pass, lost duels and a costly set piece.
The United boss stressed that “second balls” often depend on structure and personnel. He stressed that allowing a much taller opponent a late corner was avoidable.
But the deeper problem is that this scenario repeats itself too often. Keane summed it up best: short bursts of promise, followed by a failure to get the job done.
Progress or illusion?
On 1 November at Nottingham Forest, United were within striking distance of second place but let a lead slip and required a draw to escape with a draw.
A week later at Tottenham, a similar collapse produced another late rescue.
After the international break, a win over Everton would have pushed the team into the Champions League positions; instead, they were beaten at home by ten men. This latest setback fits the same pattern: a chance to rise, spurned in the closing stages.
United are now eighth, part of a tight group of 11 clubs separated by just four points. The identity of the team is not clear: encouraging, average or underwhelming.
Most agree an improvement has been made, although they were always expected to climb from last season’s 15th place finish after spending more than £200m.
Amorim won Coach of the Month in October for a three-game winning streak, but the current streak sits at five.
Concerns are growing that momentum has stalled, but Amorim rejects the idea of ​​regression. He admits his squad is inconsistent but insists difficult phases are normal in a long campaign.
He remains irritated by the nature of the conceded goal, arguing that the situation appeared under control until his players reacted badly to a long clearance. United, he insists, simply need to manage these moments more effectively.
Another test awaits at the bottom
Next comes a trip to Wolveswho sit at the bottom of the division and have not beaten anyone.
Once again, United will be playing the last game of a Premier League round and once again there will be a clear target that they can achieve with three points. But with every missed opportunity, the stakes and expectations continue to drop.
Amorim’s men cannot afford another stumble against the struggling La Liga side.
