Ruben Amorim ripped into his Manchester United players after their defeat to Bournemouth, accusing them of being ‘too nervous’ before warning fans to expect more suffering.
The Red Devils suffered their eighth Premier League loss of the campaign, with their opponents deservedly claiming the spoils to move into the Premier League’s top five.
Dean Huijsen broke the deadlock in the first half, heading home from inside the box after inexplicably being left unmarked. Justin Kluivert doubled Bournemouth’s tally from the penalty spot before Antoine Semenyo added a third just moments later.
There were a large number of empty seats during the final minutes of the game, with the fans who stayed booing loudly as the referee brought an end to proceedings.
Speaking after the match, Amorim suggested that his players lacked the right mentality and challenged them to fight back rather than retreating into their shells.
“This game was hard on us,” he said. “We suffered again on set-pieces and we were a bit nervous, I felt it in the stadium. The penalty and another goal are really hard here. We tried to score some goals but it was a tough match, so let’s move on.
“If you look at the game, we were not conceding anything before the first goal, we had opportunities. If we manage to score the first goal then the game should be different. We want to score but we are too nervous. We have to fight this.
“After the penalty, we need to control the game better because we know this situation is really hard.”
Amorim went on to suggest that United’s fortunes are unlikely to improve any time soon, adding: “We have to control better this moment. We have to focus on the job and not what you feel in the stadium.
“It’s the only way I know how to focus my players. We have to suffer again but we will try to win. We will do it until the end.”
United remain stuck in mid-table, with Amorim yet to work his magic since replacing Erik ten Hag in the dugout. Under his guidance, the Red Devils have conceded 17 goals in just eight league matches.
Asked if he was finding the job harder than he anticipated, the Portuguese boss simply replied: “I always expected [it to be tough], especially in these busy months. We are ready to face the challenge.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures, and video on this breaking news story.
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real-time.
We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos, and pictures throughout the day to like, comment, and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express, and Express.co.uk.
