Ruben Amorim Labels Manchester United ‘Maybe the Worst Team in the History of the Club’ After Brighton Defeat

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has described his team as “maybe the worst” in the club’s 147-year history following their 3-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. The loss marked Amorim’s fourth Premier League defeat at Old Trafford since taking over from Erik ten Hag, who was sacked at the end of October.

Speaking candidly after the match, Amorim said, “We are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. I have full knowledge of that. I am not going to change, no matter what. I know we can succeed but we need to survive this moment. I am not naive. We need to survive now. We are the worst team, maybe, in the history of Manchester United.”

The Portuguese manager acknowledged the headline-grabbing nature of his statement but emphasized the need for the team to recognize their current struggles and work towards change. “I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go: your headlines,” he added.

United’s performance against Brighton was particularly concerning, as they failed to register a shot on target in open play, with the hosts dominating the game at Old Trafford. The result comes on the heels of two positive results against Liverpool and Arsenal, which Amorim had previously stated would provide him with a better understanding of his players’ capabilities.

While United managed to survive a scare against bottom-placed Southampton before winning 3-1, they were comprehensively outplayed by Brighton. Amorim has now lost seven of his 15 games in charge, leaving United languishing in 13th place, just five places and 10 points above the relegation zone.

Amorim’s comments on the team’s underperformance were unequivocal. “Everybody here is underperforming, no matter what the circumstances, we are underperforming and have to accept that,” he said. “It’s unacceptable to lose so many games. For any Premier League club, imagine Manchester United. So it’s a really hard moment but we have to continue, we have to continue, there is no other way. We need to suffer and continue.”

The damning assessment of United’s current state highlights the immense challenge Amorim faces in turning the club’s fortunes around. The Red Devils have now lost six home Premier League games this season, their highest tally from their opening 12 home matches of a league campaign since 1893-94. Additionally, they have conceded the first goal in each of their past five Premier League games at Old Trafford, equaling their longest such run in the competition.

United’s tally of 10 Premier League defeats this season is also the earliest they have reached double figures for losses in a league campaign since 1989-90 under Alex Ferguson. While relegation still seems unlikely, Amorim did acknowledge last month that it was a “possibility.”