There has been a simmering discontent at Manchester United for a long time, but at Old Trafford in the early hours of December 31 (Vietnam time), the discontent almost exploded during the defeat to Newcastle.
Just 30 minutes in and United were 2 goals down, with Joshua Zirkzee being replaced by head coach Ruben Amorim. Any of the 11 players on the pitch for the Red Devils could have been replaced. They all played poorly in the first half hour, while the fans in the stands booed them.
Even when Zirkzee was substituted in the 33rd minute, cheers rang out around the stadium. There were boos from all four corners of Old Trafford when the half-time whistle blew. There were more boos at the end of the match, although by then a large number of fans had already left.
It is now four straight defeats for Man United and six of their last eight. It is the first time since the 1978-79 season that they have lost three consecutive games at Old Trafford. Three consecutive Premier League defeats means they will start 2025 in 14th place, just seven points above the relegation zone.
Man United's troubles have reached such a level that Amorim are being questioned about the possibility of relegation.
"It's been really tough 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 belief after so many defeats. It's really a difficult moment for everyone.
"It's a shame to be the manager of Manchester United and lose a lot of 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 been disastrous for the Portuguese, with successive Premier League defeats to Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Wolves and Newcastle. United have not lost five games in a calendar month since 1962.
Add to that the Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham and a run of six defeats in all competitions, a worst run for the Red Devils since September 1930. For the first time in over 100 years, a Man United manager has lost five of his first eight league games.
The question, however, is whether Amorim or the players should take the blame. For now, Amorim refuses to criticise his squad, despite further evidence week in and week out that they are largely not good enough.
"I take responsibility. I don't like to come here and make excuses. I think people are tired of excuses in this club. I have never seen a coach win games by not protecting the players," Amorim added.
Ahead of the defeat to Newcastle, Amorim said he had “no doubt” that this poor run of form “won’t last forever”. However, the run is unlikely to end immediately as United travel to league leaders Liverpool next weekend.
Defeat at Anfield would sink Amorim and his players deeper into the quagmire. Anger was already spreading around Old Trafford and the mood was getting worse.
Even for a club that regularly lurch from crisis to crisis, United are reaching new levels of desperation.
