There has been a simmering dissatisfaction at Manchester United for a long time, but at Old Trafford Stadium in the early morning of December 31 (Vietnam time), the discontent almost exploded in the loss to Newcastle.
Just 30 minutes passed and Man United were behind by 2 goals, while Joshua Zirkzee was replaced by head coach Ruben Amorim. Any of the 11 players on the "Red Devils" pitch could be substituted. They all played poorly in the first half hour, while the fans in the stands were shouting.
Even when Zirkzee was substituted in the 33rd minute, the cheers echoed throughout the stadium. When the final whistle blew, there were 0u from all four sides of Old Trafford. There were more sellers at the end of the match, although a large number of fans had already left.
This is now 4 consecutive losses of Man United and 6/8 recent matches. For the first time since the 1978-1979 season, they have lost three consecutive games at Old Trafford. Three consecutive Premier League defeats mean they will start 2025 in 14th place, just seven points above the relegation zone.
Man United's difficulties have reached the point that Amorim is being questioned about relegation.
"It's really difficult for everyone and you can feel it. We showed some improvement in the first games, especially against Manchester City and Tottenham. However, we are losing that because of the lack of training and confidence after so many losses. This is truly a difficult moment for everyone.
It is a shame to be the manager of Manchester United and lose so many games. I think our club needs a boost and we have to understand that," Amorim said after the defeat to Newcastle.
After the initial optimism when he replaced Erik ten Hag in November, December has turned bad for the Portuguese coach. back-to-back Premier League defeats have come against Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Wolves and Newcastle. Man United have not lost five games in a calendar month since 1962.
In addition, there was a defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and a series of 6 losses in all competitions, a poor record not seen since September 1930 for the "Red Devils". For the first time in more than 100 years, a Man United manager has lost five of his first eight league games.
However, the question is whether Amorim or the players should take the blame. Amorim has now refused to criticize his squad, despite further evidence from week to week that most of them are not good enough.
"I take responsibility. I don't like to come here and make excuses. I think people are tired of excuses at this club. I would never watch a manager win games without defending him," Amorim added.
Before the defeat to Newcastle, Amorim said he had "no doubt" that this poor streak "will not last forever". However, this streak of form is unlikely to end immediately when Man United have to visit the top team Liverpool next weekend.
The defeat at Anfield will sink Amorim and his players deeper into the mud. The anger has spread all over Old Trafford and the mood is getting worse.
Even for a club that has been struggling from crisis to crisis, Man United are reaching a new level of despair.
