A year after his early warning
Ruben Amorim issued another firm warning about rising expectations. Manchester United won 4–0 in this fixture last season, yet Amorim predicted turbulence ahead. One year later, his team revealed the same issues. A fierce clash between Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane shaped the early drama. United played 77 minutes against ten men but failed to exploit their advantage.
United lose control despite superiority
Amorim watched his team struggle in key moments. Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro surrendered possession under no pressure as Everton grew stronger. Amad Diallo made poor choices while replacing the injured Matheus Cunha. Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes wasted promising chances. Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo failed to make convincing cases for more minutes as they chased World Cup ambitions. Senne Lammens reacted weakly to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s decisive strike. Zirkzee forced Jordan Pickford into a late save, yet United created no real threat beyond that moment.
Amorim delivers a harsh verdict
Amorim warned before the match that a good run could collapse quickly. He said his team remained far from the level needed for top-four ambitions. United held leads at Nottingham Forest and Tottenham but failed to protect either. They needed late equalisers to rescue points. This match offered a chance to climb to fifth. Matching last season’s result would have put them fourth. Yet they lost at home against ten men for 77 minutes. United had never lost a league match at Old Trafford after an opponent saw red. They had won 36 and drawn 10 of the previous 46.
Amorim said the crowd offered full backing and expected progress. He said his players were not ready for that step. He repeated that United remained far from the standards required at this club.
United’s path remains uncertain
One year after Amorim’s first match, the main question concerns how far this team still must travel. United have no European commitments and spent £250m in the summer. They sit tenth but remain close to the top four. Their upcoming fixtures offer strong chances to collect points. When they finished eighth under Erik ten Hag, the club called it unacceptable.
Amorim described his feelings as frustration and disappointment. He said Everton deserved their win. He said United must win these matches regardless of circumstances. He agreed with David Moyes that the Gueye-Keane clash showed desire. He wants that same intensity from his own players, but without the red card.
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 when they lose the ball because that prevents goals.
A troubling setback after signs of progress
After progress in October and a manager of the month award, November brought regression. The team still lacks a clear identity. Amorim seems to sense the same uncertainty. He said he fears returning to last season’s mindset, when every match felt dangerous. He said he fears slipping back into anxiety. He said avoiding that regression remains his main concern.
He said the group must work together. He said the players show effort but must improve.
