Manchester United lost their sixth game this December, ending the year with a shambolic 0-2 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday.
The visitors scored both their goals in the first half and did not really have to exert themselves thereafter as the hosts struggled for any real fluency throughout the game.
And the poor run of form does not look like it will end anytime soon with league leaders Liverpool up next followed by an FA Cup tie away to Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim is having to pay the price for poor recruitment, both under the Glazers and INEOS, with the team clearly not suited to playing his possessional brand of football.
Rasmus was poor yet again
Against the Magpies, the Portuguese head coach was forced to take off Joshua Zirkzee early after a poor start but he could have done the same with fellow strike partner Rasmus Hojlund as well.
The Dane struggled to hold up the ball under pressure, a problem that has plagued him since his arrival in England. He managed to win only 40 percent of all his duels, another poor return.
The 21-year-old had the chance to spark a comeback but fluffed his lines from a brilliant chance and hardly threatened thereafter.
The United No 1 did not manage a single dribble and ended the game with a poor pass completion rate of 75 percent while losing possession 14 times.
Hojlund did not attempt a single long ball or cross and managed 0 defensive contributions throughout his 90 minute stay on the pitch (all stats via sofascore).
Not ready to lead the line
A year on from his big-money move from Atalanta, back when Erik ten Hag was in charge, the striker still does not look ready to lead the line for a club of United’s size and ambition and he is much better served playing as a substitute.
He has potential but the Red Devils need a lot more than potential to climb back up the table and INEOS have to deliver in the winter window.
If they do not support Amorim in January, things could get even worse in the coming months with the team languishing in 14th position, just seven points clear of the relegation zone.
The head coach’s style does work but only if he has the right players. This squad is not built in his own image and he might pay the ultimate price if results do not improve soon.
Feature image Stu Forster via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
