An important week for coach Ruben Amorim began with another defeat. Two cup games in five days - one against Fulham in the FA Cup round of five, the other against Real Sociedad in the Europa League round of 16 - have given Manchester United hope to save something from this miserable season.
However, Fulham beat Man United after 120 tense minutes and a penalty shootout. Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee were the poor shots for the Red Devils and made them former champions. In general, this was a match in which both teams showed extremely low level of expertise.
Being eliminated from the FA Cup will increase the pressure on Amorim in the trip to San Sebastian. They must win the Europa League to qualify for next season's Champions League, thereby saving their disastrous campaign. However, after the performance against Fulham, not many Man United fans can be optimistic.
"In the end, the penalties can go in both directions and today is not our way. We know we are losing, but the goal is to win the Premier League. I don't know how long it will take. We have a goal and we will continue to move forward, no matter what.
Can't know, but you start to understand that the players are playing better and we understand the tournament. We will see in the future," Amorim said after the loss to Fulham.
The match against Fulham was the fifth consecutive time M.U conceded a goal first. In 24 matches under Amorim, Man United have conceded 16 goals. This is a condemnable statistic, but especially when the team is struggling to score. With no goals in the first 45 minutes, Man United have failed to score since the opening match for 19 consecutive first half.
Fulham will have an FA Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace to look forward to something. For Amorim, it is the Europa League or losing everything. The Portuguese coach has lost 10 of his 25 games since replacing Erik ten Hag last November.
Currently 14th in the Premier League and now out of the FA Cup, Man United only have the Europa League. An important week in Amorim's short reign will depend on the match against Real Sociedad.
"Maybe it's the quality of the players. If the quality of the players is better, we will create more opportunities. Anyway, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Joshua Zirkzee all did well. They try to get the ball back in all circumstances" - Amorim added.
