Amorim Reflects on United’s Disappointing Loss to Everton

Gueye was sent off in the 13th minute for striking team-mate Michael Keane’s face in frustration after Casemiro had missed a shot, highlighting Everton’s passive defense. The Toffees had initially dominated the game and capitalized on the red card, taking the lead with a powerful strike from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. They successfully defended their advantage throughout the second half, despite Manchester United maintaining 75 percent possession.

Manager Amorim expressed his disagreement with the decision to send off Gueye, acknowledging that Everton fully deserved their victory. This match marked the first time Everton has won at Old Trafford since 2013, during David Moyes’s tenure at United, and it was also Moyes’s first victory at the stadium as an opposing manager in 18 attempts.

In a post-match press conference, Amorim stated, “I believe they were the better team with 11 players. They managed to perform exceptionally well with 10 for 70 minutes. Therefore, I accept that we deserved to lose. Our performance lacked the necessary intensity, and I recognize that we are far from where we need to be to compete for the top positions in the league. We have significant work ahead, and we must strive for perfection to secure victories. We were not perfect today.”

Amorim voiced his concerns about reverting to the struggles of the previous season, emphasizing the necessity for collective effort. “We must work together; I’m not going anywhere. The players are making an effort, but we need to improve. We have training tomorrow to prepare for the next match.”

He acknowledged a sense of envy towards Everton’s determination and fighting spirit, even if it resulted in a sending off. “Fighting is not inherently negative; it reflects dedication. If a player loses the ball, they should fight to regain it to avoid conceding a goal. While I understand the referee’s decision on violent conduct, I don’t agree with it. I want my players to exhibit that fighting spirit, but without the risk of a sending off.”

Following the weekend’s results, United had the chance to ascend to fifth place in the Premier League, as Bournemouth dropped points against West Ham, while Tottenham suffered a heavy defeat to Arsenal. However, instead of capitalizing on these opportunities, United finds themselves in 10th place, level on 18 points with Everton and 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

As United prepares to face fifth-placed Crystal Palace next Sunday, Amorim expressed disappointment that his players failed to harness the energy from the results over the weekend, resulting in a sluggish performance against Everton.

“It is my responsibility to analyze the game, and today’s shortcomings were not due to an individual error but a collective team failure,” the United boss remarked. “Given the weekend’s results, we should have entered the pitch with heightened excitement. Regardless of our technical execution, the atmosphere at Old Trafford called for a more vigorous performance, and I felt we were not adequately prepared once again.”