Amorim Reflects on United’s Disappointing Loss to Everton

Gueye received a red card in the 13th minute for making contact with teammate Michael Keane’s face in frustration after Casemiro missed a shot due to lackluster defending from Everton. The Toffees had been dominant in the early minutes and grew confident after the dismissal, taking the lead with a powerful strike from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. They maintained this advantage through the second half, even as Manchester United controlled 75 percent of possession.

Amorim expressed his disagreement with the decision to send off Gueye and acknowledged that Everton thoroughly deserved their victory. This win marked the first time the Toffees triumphed at Old Trafford since 2013, when David Moyes managed United. It also represented Moyes’ first victory at the venue as an opposing coach in 18 attempts.

In a press conference, Amorim stated, “I think they were a better team with 11 players. They managed well with 10 men for 70 minutes. I believe we deserved to lose because we did not perform well or with the necessary intensity. I am aware of our current standing and recognize that we are far from competing for top positions in the league. We have significant work to do and must be flawless to win games, which we were not today.”

He admitted to fearing a return to the struggles of last season, calling it his biggest concern. “We must work together,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere. The players are trying, but we need to improve. We have training tomorrow, and we will prepare for the next match.”

Amorim also conveyed admiration for Everton’s determination, even though it resulted in the sending off. He remarked, “Fighting is not inherently negative; it shows commitment. If you lose possession, you must fight to prevent a goal. That was my impression. I disagree with the sending off. I hope my players fight for each other in such situations. While they cannot be sent off for that, such camaraderie indicates a positive mentality.”

United had the chance to move into fifth place in the Premier League following dropped points by Bournemouth against West Ham, Tottenham’s defeat to Arsenal, and losses for rivals Liverpool and Manchester City against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle, respectively. Instead, they find themselves in 10th place with 18 points, level with Everton and 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.

As United prepares to face fifth-placed Crystal Palace next Sunday, Amorim lamented the lack of motivation following the weekend’s results, leading to a lackluster performance against Everton.

“It is my responsibility to explain our performance today, which was a team failure, not just one individual’s mistake,” the United manager said. “Given the weekend’s results, we should have entered the pitch with a heightened sense of excitement. It doesn’t matter if the passing is solid; the atmosphere at Old Trafford should inspire a greater urgency, and it felt like we were not prepared once again.”