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Man Utd: ‘Overpriced and overpromoted’ Red Devils star ‘berated’ by Amorim vs Newcastle

    man-utd:-‘overpriced-and-overpromoted’-red-devils-star-‘berated’-by-amorim-vs-newcastle
    Man Utd: ‘Overpriced and overpromoted’ Red Devils star ‘berated’ by Amorim vs Newcastle

    Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim was seen berating Rasmus Hojlund during the Red Devils’ 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League on Monday.

    Amorim’s side were second best for most of the match with goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton securing the three points for the Magpies.

    The result sees Man Utd remain 14th in the Premier League table with Ipswich Town’s win over Chelsea on Monday seeing the Red Devils just seven points off the relegation zone.

    Amorim has struggled to get what he wants out of his Man Utd squad with only Amad Diallo and a few others that have taken to the Portuguese head coach’s tactics, philosophy and style of play.

    One player who continues to struggle at Old Trafford under the new manager is Hojlund with the Denmark international scoring just two Premier League goals this term.

    And Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst insists that Amorim was seen ‘berating’ Hojlund earlier in the match against Newcastle.

    Luckhurst wrote: ‘Amorim berated Hojlund after seven minutes for not pushing up high enough. If Hojlund had done a cursory amount of research, he would have known what Amorim demands from his striker. Overpriced and overpromoted, Hojlund was fortunate to start.’

    MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
    👉 Carragher slams Amorim as Man Utd trio ‘can’t run’; one star branded ‘horrific’ and ‘awful’
    👉 Neville claims ‘absolutely awful’ Man Utd are ‘worst pound-for-pound team in the country’
    👉 Mailbox: Manchester United mess has Ashworth ‘laughing his head off’ at home before Southgate appointment

    Amorim insists Man Utd are going through “one of the worst moments in the history of our club” after the defeat against Newcastle.

    The Man Utd boss told reporters: “It’s really hard. It’s one of the worst moments in the history of our club. You have to accept another loss in front of our supporters and Newcastle were better.

    “We suffer two goals and, in this moment, it’s hard to turn around the result. It’s a very difficult moment for everyone, so we have to continue to do our job. There is no other way.”

    When asked what went wrong, Amorim added: “It was really difficult. They started the game very well and we [conceded] a goal, really nervous. Then the second goal, really early in the game. It was really hard for us.

    “They were better than us. Even during all the game, they controlled. We were better in the second half but that was because my players tried, really tried. But they are, like I said, better than us and they won the game.”

    Put to him that confidence in the Man Utd squad seemed low: “Yeah and you can feel it in every single day but that is a bad thing, of course, but it’s a good thing they are feeling like that. We have to understand we’re in a very difficult moment.

    “It’s really hard for them, sometimes, on the pitch, to have these losses but we have to continue. There is no other way. We have to work hard and prepare for the next games.”

    Fabrizio Romano: United want to sign exciting young Premier League talent, would be dream January coup

      fabrizio-romano:-united-want-to-sign-exciting-young-premier-league-talent,-would-be-dream-january-coup
      Fabrizio Romano: United want to sign exciting young Premier League talent, would be dream January coup

      Manchester United may be edging closer to signing transfer target Milos Kerkez, given a recent update on the player’s professional life.

      With Bournemouth in seventh place in the Premier League, Kerkez has attracted interest from a variety of elite clubs due to his impressive performances in his high-flying side.

      Previously, The Peoples Person relayed that Liverpool and Man United were going toe-to-toe in a race to sign the 21 year old.

      More recent reports claimed that Real Madrid have entered the fray, signalling the massive impression that Kerkez has made with Europe’s elite.

      Just last week, Fabrizio Romano explained that United’s interest in Kerkez appears to be more concrete than Liverpool’s, perhaps signalling that Ruben Amorim may look to the defender in the upcoming transfer market.

      Yesterday, Romano came out with another important update regarding Kerkez’s situation.

      “Bournemouth LB Milos Kerkez has signed with Fali Ramadani’s Lian Sports as new agency from 2025,” Romano posted on X.

      “He’s definitely one to watch, with Man United among top clubs monitoring his progress as reported.”

      🚨🇭🇺 Bournemouth LB Milos Kerkez has signed with Fali Ramadani’s Lian Sports as new agency from 2025.

      He’s definitely one to watch, with Man United among top clubs monitoring his progress as reported. pic.twitter.com/IbDeUURnS1

      — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 30, 2024

      Kerkez has been a revelation for Bournemouth this season, winning 58% of his total ground duels, completing 82% of his passes, and averaging 1.3 tackles and 4.4 ball recoveries per game. (Sofascore)

      Not only is the Hungarian’s talent a drawcard for United, but also the club’s need for a proper left-back.

      With Luke Shaw injured and Tyrell Malacia struggling to settle after returning from a long-term injury of his own, right-back Diogo Dalot has been utilised on the left, out of his natural position.

      It thus makes sense for United to pursue the young and in-form Kerkez as a potential long-term solution.

      With the January transfer window set to open in a matter of hours, United fans will soon learn whether Amorim will be able to secure some exciting new signings, such as Kerkez, as he looks to turn United’s season around.


      Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

      A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.

      “That is brutal:” Gary Neville expresses dismay over treatment of United star following humiliating Newcastle defeat

        “that-is-brutal:”-gary-neville-expresses-dismay-over-treatment-of-united-star-following-humiliating-newcastle-defeat
        “That is brutal:” Gary Neville expresses dismay over treatment of United star following humiliating Newcastle defeat

        Manchester United legend Gary Neville expressed his dismay after Joshua Zirkzee was subbed off during the disappointing 2-0 loss to Newcastle United last night.

        It was a painful night for Man United supporters, who had to watch their team be constantly placed on the back foot by a threatening Newcastle attack at Old Trafford. While both goals were scored within 20 minutes, Ruben Amorim’s men showed few signs of finding a way back into the match despite significantly improving in the second half, particularly at shooting.

        Despite the poor performances across the pitch, perhaps no player had a more difficult night than Zirkzee, who was forced to suffer the embarrassment of being substituted during the first half. While it may not have been one of Zirkzee’s better performances, Neville found it difficult to keep his feelings to himself.

        “I have to feel sorry for him, I really do,” Neville stated while commentating on the match as Zirkzee made way for Kobbie Mainoo. “I know that he’s earning a lot of money, but there’s a human being in there that’s basically being cheered off by his own fans, and that is brutal.”

        “Not seen that too many times at Old Trafford in the 43 years I’ve been coming here,” Neville admitted.

        “I feel sorry for him, there’s a human being in there…” 🎙

        Joshua Zirkzee is replaced by Kobbie Mainoo after half an hour. pic.twitter.com/v9FBAvkK3x

        — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 30, 2024

        Straight after his substitution, a visibly distraught Zirkzee grabbed a coat from the bench and headed down the tunnel, only to re-emerge minutes later.

        Following the match, Ruben Amorim revealed that the decision to take off Zirkzee was a tactical one, specifically due to the team’s need for more midfielders to gain increased control in the centre of the park.

        Still, Amorim’s decision proved to be a bitter pill to swallow for Zirkzee, who was almost reduced to tears as a result of what was truly an embarrassing moment to end his year of football.

        It didn’t take long after the crushing defeat for rumours surrounding the Dutch forward’s future to emerge, particularly given the previous transfer speculation that surrounded him given his tough start to life at Old Trafford.

        Earlier today, The Peoples Person discussed links between Zirkzee and his former club, Bologna, with a return to the Italian team reportedly a possibility.

        Juventus and AC Milan have also been listed as interested parties, making it appear as if a return to Italy is on the cards if Zirkzee’s fortunes don’t change soon.

        Still, with the January transfer window opening in just a few hours, Amorim may not even have much more time to assess Zirkzee’s prospects should the player himself decide that the time has come to explore new options.

        But regardless of Zirkzee’s career prospects, United fans should do some introspection over their treatment of the young forward. As Neville pointed out, he is a human being after all, and the club’s woes certainly aren’t the fault of Zirkzee alone.

        Featured Image Carl Recine via Getty Images


        Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

        A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.

        Manchester United fans are not special or unique and Zirkzee abuse proved it

          manchester-united-fans-are-not-special-or-unique-and-zirkzee-abuse-proved-it
          Manchester United fans are not special or unique and Zirkzee abuse proved it

          One of the many enjoyable aspects of watching a Manchester United crisis unfold is the way so much of the coverage and response to a Manchester United crisis is framed as if the last 10 years simply haven’t happened.

          Gary Neville’s repeated intonation of “This is Manchester United”, combining weary resignation with a still baffled air of disbelief has now surely attained meme status, but he is merely the most visible and audible example of a phenomenon that remains firmly rooted in a time now long, long gone.

          The continued expectation that this time Manchester United will simply sort themselves out properly and be good again – of which we are as guilty as anyone – is compelling evidence of the power of pre-existing beliefs. Of just how hard it can be to let go of ideas that really have long since ceased to apply.

          Sure, the sheer extent of Manchester United’s dumbf*ckery under Ruben Amorim is a surprise, but it surely cannot be a shock to anyone any more that they haven’t managed to just instantly and magically become good.

          We are now at least past a time when people will earnestly insist Manchester United are a club that sticks by managers, refusing to bow to the modern convention of chopping and changing coaches all the time in an undignified manner. It took a good few managerial comings and goings before it finally dawned on the last few holdouts that the reason United didn’t chop and change managers like everyone else was because they had the best one in the world and possibly ever for two decades.

          But the significance of that seemingly very obvious point remains at best partially understood and absorbed.

          That much was clear in some of the reaction to last night’s none-more-2024 sh*tshow against Newcastle to round out a truly dire year of Premier League ropeyness for the fallen giants of English football.

          When Joshua Zirkzee was hooked early and subjected to really quite uncomfortable-to-watch abuse as he became the focal point for the home fans’ mounting frustrations, among the more general ‘Not nice to see’ sentiment was a more puzzling one: the idea that this is somehow not how Manchester United supporters behave. This Is Manchester United Fans We’re Talking About is a new one on us, but apparently they are famously loyal to their own and would never turn on their own players.

          We’re not in any way targeting United fans for particular criticism here; we’re not saying they’re worse than any others, just that they’re also no better. It’s obvious, really, because the idea any large fanbase is in uniquely prevalent possession of any particular quality is inherently daft.

          It is always quite weird when entire fanbases are imbued with these specific attributes. While United fans were acting so wildly out of character in booing their own player, the flipside at Old Trafford was Newcastle fans – The Best Fans In The World, of course – getting What They Deserve after all this time. It has never been adequately explained why this is the case, beyond a noted penchant for winter shirtlessness.

          Again, not a criticism of Newcastle fans, a group no better or worse than any other large fanbase; just a general puzzlement at the idea they are any different to or more deserving than any other.

          Liverpool and Arsenal fans suffer/benefit from similar treatment based mainly on the admittedly undeniable fact they are in possession of the internet’s loudest supporters – in both good times and bad. And the loudest people are a) rarely the ones most worth listening to, and even more importantly b) rarely remotely representative of the entire cohort they purport to speak for.

          But back to United. We really were genuinely quite spun out by this idea they treat players differently there. We’ve never seen any evidence for this, beyond – and this seems important – a two-decade spell of unprecedented dominance in which a bad season meant finishing second to excellent Arsenal or Chelsea sides. Seems like it might be easier not to be showing your whole arse when everything is so outrageously good.

          MORE ON THE MANCHESTER UNITED MESS FROM F365
          👉 Manchester United man Amorim ‘berated’ joined by atrocious West Ham trio in worst XI
          👉 Carragher slams Amorim as Man Utd trio ‘can’t run’; one star branded ‘horrific’ and ‘awful’
          👉 Manchester United mess has Ashworth ‘laughing his head off’ at home before Southgate appointment

          So much coverage of United remains rooted in the fact that the joke is in so many ways true. For a couple of generations of football fans, United really did ruin our childhoods. The scale and length of their success has indelibly coloured how we all think of them. And that applies to both insiders and outsiders.

          They were so good for so long under Sir Alex Ferguson, so seemingly effortlessly able to evolve and rebuild new equally successful teams every time it was necessary, that it became easy to imagine this was just the normal order of things.

          That United have always been and will always be this successful. That United fans and staff are somehow different and special. That this club has some unique right and claim to greatness.

          But it really isn’t true, is it? Step back a bit and the Fergie years really are the exception rather than the norm at a club of huge stature but before and after only relatively infrequent and spasmodic success. Ferguson’s first title with United was their first since the 60s, a gap of over 25 years featuring multiple spells in genuine wilderness and actual relegation.

          This isn’t new or unknown information. But it is only fleetingly considered in our wider viewing of what Manchester United are or should be.

          Which is a large, historic and successful football club. But not uniquely so in any way, up to and including their fans’ ability to get the absolute arse when things are bad.

          READ NEXTFive Premier League moves we can see happening in the January transfer window

          Amorim told Man Utd star may not ‘recover’ from Newcastle incident as ‘relegation fight’ begins

            amorim-told-man-utd-star-may-not-‘recover’-from-newcastle-incident-as-‘relegation-fight’-begins
            Amorim told Man Utd star may not ‘recover’ from Newcastle incident as ‘relegation fight’ begins

            Man Utd forward Joshua Zirkzee may struggle to recover from being booed off the pitch against Newcastle, according to former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen.

            The Netherlands international was substituted after just three minutes on Monday night in a 2-0 loss to the Magpies in the Premier League.

            Kobbie Mainoo replaced Zirkzee, who signed for Man Utd in the summer transfer market from Serie A side Bologna, in the side with the Red Devils looking more solid with the extra midfielder in the side.

            But former England footballer Christiansen insists that it was “harsh” to take Man Utd forward Zirkzee off instead of Christian Eriksen or Casemiro, who have been at Old Trafford a lot longer.

            👉 READ MORE: Zirkzee nightmare proved Man Utd fans are not actually a uniquely tolerant, civilised breed

            Christiansen said on the BBC’s Football Daily podcast: “The midfield two of Casemiro and [Christian] Eriksen – we all highlighted it before the game and said it would be a problem and it was.

            “[Joshua] Zirkzee was the player that was dragged off but it could have been Eriksen or it could have been Casemiro. Zirkzee is a new signing – it was harsh. He’s only 23-years-old. That’s difficult for him and the reaction he got from the crowd as he exited the pitch – they booed. How he recovers from that, I don’t know. It is going to take some serious mental resilience for him to recover from that.

            “Why was Casemiro still on the pitch? He was abysmal in the first half and that is me saying that about a player I’ve admired a lot over the years. Casemiro was way off it and Eriksen was way off it, but Zirkzee took the brunt of it.”

            MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
            👉 Carragher slams Amorim as Man Utd trio ‘can’t run’; one star branded ‘horrific’ and ‘awful’
            👉 Man Utd: ‘Overpriced and overpromoted’ Red Devils star ‘berated’ by Amorim vs Newcastle
            👉 Mailbox: Manchester United mess has Ashworth ‘laughing his head off’ at home before Southgate appointment

            On the match itself, Christiansen added: “It was not a good night at all. Tonight was a reflection on the players, I think it is probably deeply ingrained in the players, the standards have dropped for a long time now. That was evident tonight

            “It is going to take a long time for Ruben Amorim to lift things up. The spotlight is on him and he is taking it but as players, no matter who your manager is, you can’t play like you did tonight.

            “It’s a matter of personal pride and that first half was terrible, I was actually shocked that Newcastle only went in 2-0 up.”

            After the defeat to Newcastle, former Man Utd midfielder Jesper Blomqvist told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: “It is a relegation fight for United now. I don’t think anyone wants to let Ruben Amorim down. The team are really looking out of form, there is no confidence at all.

            “I admire [Amorim] and I think he’s being really honest all the time. I think there’s a light at the end of the tunnel but it’s hard at the moment.”

            On Joshua Zirkzee being substituted in the first-half: “It’s going to take a lot for him to rise up again. I admire Ruben for making that change after only 30 minutes for the best of the team.”

            Arsenal ‘first to show interest’ as Barcelona fear losing £50m star for nothing

              arsenal-‘first-to-show-interest’-as-barcelona-fear-losing-50m-star-for-nothing
              Arsenal ‘first to show interest’ as Barcelona fear losing £50m star for nothing

              Arsenal and Liverpool are among the clubs looking to capitalise on Dani Olmo’s uncertain future at Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.

              Barcelona signed Olmo from RB Leipzig for a reported £50million in the summer transfer window.

              Despite mustering up the cash to afford him in August, the Catalan giants are reportedly struggling to find a way to register him for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.

              This is due to the salary restrictions in La Liga and a court rejected the club’s attempts to re-register him last week, with a second court backing the decision on Monday.

              This means Olmo can not play for the club from January 1. La Liga say the court rejected the precautionary registration of the player after “none of the conditions necessary for the adoption of the precautionary measure were met”.

              Olmo – who left Barcelona for Dinamo Zagreb at the age of 16 – could become a free agent if Barcelona do not find an alternative way to register him, and there is plenty of interest coming from the Premier League.

              Arsenal looking to capitalise on Dani Olmo situation at Barcelona – reports

              According to Spanish website Mundo Deportivo, ‘several European giants are very aware’ of Olmo’s situation at Barcelona and are ready to pounce.

              If Olmo becomes available on a free transfer, clubs in the Premier League and Bundesliga will ‘prepare their offensive to sign him’, but the Spanish international wants to stay in Catalonia and honour the six-year contract he signed in August.

              Regardless, it is claimed that his uncertain future ‘transcends borders’ and Arsenal are the first English club ‘to show interest’.

              MORE ON BARCELONA FROM F365
              👉 Barcelona will ‘gift wrap’ transfer as Arsenal ‘confirm payment’ of £62m
              👉 Five next moves for Salah ranked on likelihood include leaving Liverpool for Barcelona

              The Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ are all interested, though, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham ‘knocking on his door’.

              Competition from the Bundesliga is there as well, with RB Leipzig ‘reminding him that it will always be his home’ amid their ‘amazement’ at the position he is in.

              Meanwhile, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen are also keeping an eye on the situation.

              Barcelona are boosted by Olmo’s stance on his future. It is claimed that he ‘only thinks about’ them and ‘has decided not to listen to offers from anyone’.

              The report adds that ‘for him, any other outcome would be the biggest disappointment of his sports career’.

              READ NOW: Amorim slammed as unprofessional and blasted over lack of ‘common sense’ with training comments

              “We don’t have that possibility”: Amorim’s chilling admission regarding January transfers will devastate fans

                “we-don’t-have-that-possibility”:-amorim’s-chilling-admission-regarding-january-transfers-will-devastate-fans
                “We don’t have that possibility”: Amorim’s chilling admission regarding January transfers will devastate fans

                Manchester United looked lost against Newcastle on Monday and succumbed to their fourth loss in a row as the Magpies emerged 2-0 winners at Old Trafford.

                Ruben Amorim’s choice of tactics is clearly not working with the current squad ill-equipped to deal with his demands having been assembled to play a counter-attacking style.

                The Portuguese prefers to control possession and INEOS’ decision to back Erik ten Hag in the summer window seems even worse in hindsight.

                With the Red Devils languishing in 14th position, only seven points clear of the relegation zone, the new co-owners need to back the head coach or things could get even worse.

                Amorim needs help in January

                The only problem? The club is teetering on the edge of PSR restrictions and after a significant payoff to their former boss coupled with compensation to Sporting Lisbon to land Amorim.

                If you add the huge amount utilised by Ten Hag last summer, not much in terms of a transfer budget is available to use in January for the new coach.

                United need at least a left wingback and striker to steer clear of danger but the head coach has warned fans that even those might be off limits as per his discussions with the ownership.

                Speaking after the defeat to Newcastle, Amorim told reporters, “We don’t have that possibility in January. You know the situation better than I do.

                No major transfers, says Amorim

                “It’s not the case I am not arriving here and I can spend a lot of money, changing all the team. You know the situation so it’s not a point to talk about it.”

                The only way the club can afford players is if they can sell their underperforming and overpaid stars with the futures of quite a few up in the air.

                Marcus Rashford is one of the most high-profile names looking to leave while Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof have all been linked with an exit.

                Hopefully, INEOS can raise some cash via player sales and can at least recruit a few players to salvage the season. The threat of relegation is a very real one and Amorim’s job is on the line.

                Feature image Stu Forster via Getty Images


                Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

                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

                Amorim slammed as unprofessional and blasted over lack of ‘common sense’ with training comments

                  amorim-slammed-as-unprofessional-and-blasted-over-lack-of-‘common-sense’-with-training-comments
                  Amorim slammed as unprofessional and blasted over lack of ‘common sense’ with training comments

                  One Manchester United player has already been accused of ‘dropping tools’ under Ruben Amorim in what must be a new record after a chance of managers.

                  No to Sir Gareth
                  Very amusing to see a couple of people predicting Southgate will replace Amorim at Man Utd, presumably before it was announced that he is getting a Knighthood.

                  Talk about rewarding failure. I am not saying that he didn’t make England better but ultimately he didn’t achieve the goal set – winning a trophy – but he will soon be a Sir & possibly the next Man Utd manager.

                  What will happen when he can’t fix them either? Will he replace Prince Andrew? I’m sure Charlie would like that to happen.
                  A, LFC, Montreal

                  As we all begin to fawn about how great Sir Gareth has been, in Lewis Hall, a left-footed English left-back crosses with his left foot to create the opener at Old Trafford.

                  We took an injured Shaw, with Trippier as the reserve option playing out of position for left back.

                  Cole Palmer given 85 mins across the whole tournament.

                  Yes, this is getting “arise” out of me.
                  Simon S, Cheshire

                  Amorim parroting
                  What is this with Ruben Amorim and him parroting about no time to train with players after every loss?

                  Where is his common sense to connect “no time to train” to changing to 5 at the back, playing 2 midfielders in Premier League, and rotating players before and during each game. Either you let them try to settle in same 11 to compensate for “no time to train” or you don’t push for so many changes when you know you “don’t have time to train”. I don’t believe he can be that daft, I find it more believable the United’s new “football men” insisted on formation change together with new coach so their decision to change managers when they did would not look as stupid as it does, in other words; they thought it would work and it would made them look smart.

                  On the side note what is Ruben Amorim saying to those players in that dressing room that they looks so low on confidence. It looked so nice and rosy at the start, then he dropped Rashford and Garnacho and criticized them publicly and it seems it all went downhill from there despite City rolling over and gifting them 3 points that game.

                  Also why does anybody think Jim is there to do something for United instead of filling his own pockets?
                  Mat, Plastic UEFA A fan, Munich

                  MORE ON THE MANCHESTER UNITED MESS FROM F365
                  👉 Manchester United man Amorim ‘berated’ joined by atrocious West Ham trio in worst XI
                  👉 Carragher slams Amorim as Man Utd trio ‘can’t run’; one star branded ‘horrific’ and ‘awful’
                  👉 Zirkzee nightmare proved Man Utd fans are not actually a uniquely tolerant, civilised breed

                  Shambles
                  The worst thing I can say after all my years as a Man Utd fan, and probably the worst thing any fan can say, is that I have to admit to being “apathetic”.

                  Should we change the manager? Don’t really care –  no change of managerial style and approach has ever really made a difference. A season of relative success here or there has never been backed up. In fact it seems we get worse.

                  What players should we bring in to fix it? We’ve done the lot. Superstars, British spine, academy, buying young talent. Nothing works.

                  Change ownership? That was probably the one that got me most excited because with ownership change comes structural change. I got excited by the appointments and structure put in place. However, I cannot for the life of me understand how you can let a situation such as this transpire. Hire ETH, successful season followed by the inevitable decline. Almost sack but instead renew the contract and Back him (and his system) to the point of tying your hands from an FFP perspective, bring in someone who demands and entirely new system but have no cash to do it. Isn’t this what competent staff behind the scenes were supposed to sort out? Either the people of great reputation you have hired suffer the same fate as players of great reputation coming to Man Utd or the owner of questionable football ownership pedigree is making captains calls undermining the people he has appointed.

                  The only hope I have in all of this is that Utd as so stuffed by FFP that they now have to burn the house down by selling a bunch of their players in order to start again. One more roll of the dice on the recruitment front and maybe we’ll finally come good.
                  Dan

                  Good news
                  Morning all,

                  F365 should be relieved. As you only write 16 conclusions when the big teams play each other, no need to compile a list for Liverpool v Man United this weekend.

                  Cheers
                  Ged Biglin

                  Down, down, down, down

                  Man Utd in a relegation battle, is it?

                  Oh go on then
                  Jbrusty

                  Ruben has lost the dressing room
                  Let me say this. I can’t do 16 conclusions, but here are some thoughts:

                  1.  Newcastle 2- United 0.  At Old Trafford.   The scoreline flattered United.

                  2.  3 4 3.  A system that has proven unsuited to the current squad.    Solution, change to a 5 4 1.   Did anyone else notice that this isn’t the system that this squad is built for either?    If Amorim is finally going to change the system  why not change to the 4-3-3 that this squad is used to playing, and maximizes what ever talents this squad possesses?

                  3.   Defence.   Midfield.    45 minutes of mayhem.    None of it good.

                  4. 33rd minute first attempt at goal by United.

                  5. 33rd minute first attempt at goal by United.   Yes I said that twice.   It bears repeating.

                  6.   Mazraoui was our best defender, until Amorim arrived.    How do you make someone that crappy that quickly??

                  7.  Amad.    Yes he’s talented, but he’s not Messi or Ronaldo.   He’s put in a few good matches.   But he’s certainly proving to be no better than Garnacho or Rashford.     He seems undroppable, but the opposition has figured out his tricks – speed and hustle.     He neither outran anyone or outhustled anyone in a Newcastle jersey.

                  8.  Casemiro.    Slow.  Old.   And that shot.   Onto the roof of Old Trafford.  Didn’t look like he really much cared did he?

                  9.     Zirkzee subbed out.   A professional manager would have gone over and apologized, told him “I should never have put you into that spot”.   Maybe not a hug, but a pat on the back.  Instead, Zirkzee heads straight down the tunnel.  No support from the manager.   Zirkzee  only returning to his teammates when either staff told him to get his ass back up there, or more likely his agent told him to get back up there.   Looks like another of the lads has dropped tools.

                  10.  A couple of points about Martinez.   He is short.    So why the F*** is he man marking a player a head taller?   He is also full of piss and vinegar, and in the second half everything positive coming out of the United end came through Martinez.    One stupid yellow card and he’s subbed off.    United didn’t look the same afterwards.

                  11.   80 ish minutes in.  Two goals down   On comes Antony.  Goals  this season?  0.  I can’t even imagine how well he must practice.  I really want to see that, because as a game winner he is absolute shite.

                  12.   Rashford is dragged out in front of the home supporters.    Ran up and down the sidelines.    When the match needed goals where was he?    Just another bit of 1950’s “man management “ from a manager who looks to either never have gained the dressing room, or has seemingly lost the confidence of the dressing room.  Or both.

                  13.   A professional manager should know the skills and mentality of his players and he should act and lay out a plan that best provides them an opportunity to succeed.     Frankly I haven’t seen that from Amorim and his staff.    Starting a very public war with two of your three attacking players is probably not allowing anyone the opportunity to succeed.

                  14.    Last time United lost 6 matches in a month was 1930?   It looks conceivable that it could happen again in January.

                  15.    Doesn’t Eric Ten Haag look good now?

                  16.   SAF is probably thanking Ratcliffe that he was spared the shame of being attached in any way shape or form to this dumpster fire.
                  Prince MNC, Muskoka, Canada

                  Postecoglou trapped in the Levy cycle
                  Dear F365,

                  I can’t help but wade in the debate on whether or not Postecoglu should be sacked.  The answer depends on what kind of Tottenham fan you are.  If you’re a Tottenham fan who wants an immediate bounce in results, then the answer is ‘sack him’.  If you’re a Tottenham fan who wants to one day in the not too distant future actually win a trophy and consistently challenge for the league, then the answer is ‘it doesn’t matter so long as Levy is around’.

                  Levy is the fundamental problem because he thinks that since he’s excellent at making money from football, he is excellent at everything in football.  The thing is he’s shown himself to be an utter moron at the most important thing for success in football (aside from being a vehicle for sportswashing or the plaything of a multi-billionaire): football strategy.  Tottenham’s vision is clear, ‘To Dare Is To Do’:  try and win by taking risks, by being adventurous, to attack and have a go and to be OK if that doesn’t always work out.  The football department should be led by that vision and hire staff and recruit, develop and train players accordingly.  But at Tottenham it doesn’t because Levy fails to understand this incredibly simple idea and instead thinks he knows it all.  So he meddles in problems without any self awareness that he’s hashing up the fix of the mess he created in the first place.  When it comes to football strategy, he’s like a puppy with a broom stuck up its bum which funnily enough is exactly how I would describe Ed Woodward.

                  Levy has overseen 11 managerial hires the sequence of which has shown zero application of a consistent approach to football.  He started by hiring a frankly weird but popular Hoddle.  He then zigged to an ultra-defensive Santini, then zagged to a neutral but popular Jol, then zigged back to an ultra defensive Ramos before zagging to the first manager in his reign you could say fits the Tottenham way: Redknapp.  But then he went weird again and zigged to AVB before over-compensating for hiring a technocrat by zagging to an imbecile and a rookie in Sherwood, and only after that did he made his first correct footballing decision by zagged again (instead of zigging) and hiring Pochettino.  It took him 13 years (or about the same time to learn literally everything about finance… twice!) to get the most important footballing hire right.  But it wasn’t a lesson learned as from there Tottenham endured 4 years of zigging, first to Mourinho, then to an even more defensive and less successful Santo and then again to Conte.  Then comes Postecoglu, the first manager since Pochettino and only the 3rd in 24 years that fits the Tottenham vision.

                  This constant leaping from left to right across the footballing philosophy from progressive to defensive creates a squad made up of the left-overs of previous managers.  Of particular problem for Postecoglu is the last 4 years of managers were all defensive to ultra defensive, meaning very few inherited players naturally fit his style.  The only other club in a similar shambles is United where the parallels are clear.

                  I’m not saying Postecoglu is the right coach, but I think he’s the right type of coach.  He is unlikely to be given the time, so the only hope I think Tottenham fans can have is that the next manager is in the mould of Pochettino, Postecoglu and Redknapp and not another zig to the defensive where the whole rotten cycle will start again.
                  Dr Oyvind, Earth.

                  Deluded or proper?
                  Hi, deluded Arsenal fan here. How did I automaticatly know where that plastic mail has come from? Of course we can win it depending on luck with injuries and red cards swinging the other way!

                  LiVARpool: v Palace: a tight 0:1; v Southampton scrappy 2:3; v Wolves a very very dodgy 1:2 etc. I can go on. Liverpool’s team didnt appear overnighr you pathethtic wally. Arsenal are still in it ….1989? Injury time. I was 21 in Liverpool…’The Vines’ I think?

                  A ‘proper’ Arsenal fan doesnt talk like that. Yes we can still win it.  why not? Saka’s injury is not helping. But you are a plastic puppet troll!

                  I can’t stand plastic fans from Arsenal, Citeh,ManYoo,pool, Chavski(ohhhh Stewie 2:0 down to Ipswich (didnt we beat them 🤣?)).

                  Arteta has done an amazing job at Arsenal as a junior coach and we should keep him. I slate anybody who says otherwise or who critiicises Raya or Martinez!

                  Arsenal give me the enthusiasm and passiin I need to watch my team.

                  Stewie, get back to your sticky Angelar Raynor picture….it’s Pulp Fiction for me tonight!
                  Chris, Croydon

                  Manchester United problem damned in worst XI alongside atrocious West Ham trio

                    manchester-united-problem-damned-in-worst-xi-alongside-atrocious-west-ham-trio
                    Manchester United problem damned in worst XI alongside atrocious West Ham trio

                    Manchester United have somehow managed to only get one player into the worst XI of the Premier League matchweek. They can thank West Ham for that.

                    This XI is based on WhoScored ratings for the Premier League games played on December 29 and 30.

                    GOALKEEPER: Fraser Forster (Tottenham)
                    Managed to make himself look decidedly not 6ft 7ins for Hwang Hee-chan’s opening goal, then committed the cardinal sin of being beaten at his near post for Jorgen Strand Larsen’s equaliser. Did suffer an apparent injury in the first half because he plays for Spurs but that lazy wave of the hand for Larsen’s goal looked particularly sub-optimal.

                    RIGHT-BACK: Axel Disasi (Chelsea)
                    That might be why you’ve been relegated to Conference League duty, fella. Disasi has started four Premier League games under Enzo Maresca and while none have been in any way convincing, this was by far the worst performance of the lot.

                    The Frenchman compounded a loose pass by barely offering any resistance whatsoever in the face of Omari Hutchinson. It was a miserable showing.

                    READ MOREChelsea pair furious after Ipswich defeat as Enzo Maresca reacts to controversial penalty

                    CENTRE-BACK: Issa Diop (Fulham)
                    A solid enough display up until the precise point it wasn’t. Fulham were on course for three more points until Diop made a Papa Bouba of himself with a quite bizarre choice of pass which was executed even worse.

                    CENTRE-BACK: Max Kilman (West Ham)
                    It feels a bit harsh to apportion too much of the blame for another disastrous defensive team performance on a single player, especially as Kilman was reliable on the ball and even made a foray or two forward.

                    Perhaps the deflection on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal has been given a bit too much precedent here. When listing West Ham’s worst players against Liverpool or biggest problems generally, Kilman would not be the first to spring to mind.

                    LEFT-BACK: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
                    The whole competent European champion thing was starting to wear thin, so Cucurella returning from an unnecessary suspension to feature in successive defeats has been heartening.

                    In short, no shots, tackles or interceptions with one chance created equals a pretty nothing performance going forward and at the back from a player expected to do so much more.

                    CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Abdoulaye Doucoure (Everton)
                    Probably shouldn’t still be starting regularly in the Premier League through 2025 but Everton really do not have much else to choose from. The energy, aggression and technique of Nottingham Forest’s midfield exposed Doucoure’s worst traits and Morgan Gibbs-White punished his lazy pass ruthlessly.

                    CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Mateus Fernandes (Southampton)
                    Some Southampton players need a hell of a lot more protection and support, none more so than the 20-year-old charged with providing creativity and defensive stability in an atrocious side in only his second full season as a professional, and first in England.

                    Fernandes was not even that bad against Crystal Palace but it was his poor touch on the edge of the Southampton area which led directly to Eberechi Eze’s winner. A fifth yellow card of the season also brings a suspension.

                    CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Edson Alvarez (West Ham)
                    One of many Mo Salah victims, Alvarez was actually decent on the ball but part of a non-existent midfield screen for a thoroughly exposed defence. It was the fourth time this season that the Mexican has been either taken off or brought on at half-time; Julen Lopetegui has a problem.

                    ATTACKING MIDFIELD: Carlos Soler (West Ham)
                    Oh, mate. That wasn’t very good. Again, West Ham’s shape and setup was a far bigger issue than any one player but Soler did basically nothing to either stem the tide or shift the momentum, and made a mistake in the build-up to the third Liverpool goal.

                    It was a bit weird that a loanee did West Ham’s post-match interview in the aftermath of another thrashing but there you go.

                    ATTACKING MIDFIELD: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves)
                    In fairness to Bellegarde, playing in a similar position to and on the same team as Matheus Cunha does not lend itself to a favourable comparison. But then nor does being a bit rubbish and the Frenchman was one of few not to pull their weight for Wolves.

                    Vitor Pereira took Bellegarde off at half-time, by which point he had already been dispossessed four times en route to creating nothing.

                    CENTRE-FORWARD: Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United)
                    Given the same rating as Jarrod Bowen in West Ham’s surrender to Liverpool, Hojlund takes the starting spot by virtue of playing the full game against Newcastle whereas the Hammers captain was substituted on the hour.

                    It was the same story for Hojlund, asked again to fulfil the thankless and pointless task of jogging around up front with no teammates within a 20-yard radius and service at a premium. Fabian Schar handled him with ease and his manager had a right old rant at him.

                    The best bit? He probably wasn’t really in the worst five individual Manchester United performances against Newcastle. Ruben Amorim has f**ked this.

                    MORE ON THE MANCHESTER UNITED MESS FROM F365
                    👉 ‘Shocked’ Neville slams four ‘poor’ Man Utd stars as Red Devils go ‘backwards’ under Amorim
                    👉 Carragher slams Amorim as Man Utd trio ‘can’t run’; one star branded ‘horrific’ and ‘awful’
                    👉 Manchester United mess has Ashworth ‘laughing his head off’ at home before Southgate appointment

                    “Gaining momentum”: United star “reduced to tears by Amorim” could be heading back to former club – report

                      “gaining-momentum”:-united-star-“reduced-to-tears-by-amorim”-could-be-heading-back-to-former-club-–-report
                      “Gaining momentum”: United star “reduced to tears by Amorim” could be heading back to former club – report

                      Manchester United succumbed to their sixth defeat of this December on Monday as Newcastle ran out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford.

                      The hosts continue to languish in 14th position and are facing the very real threat of a relegation scrap. INEOS’ player recruitment has let Ruben Amorim down big time.

                      The Portuguese does not have the squad to play his way and his team selection against the Magpies did not help with Joshua Zirkzee struggling as one the No 10s and the head coach was forced to bring him off in the 33rd minute.

                      The Old Trafford crowd jeered as the 23-year-old went off and the crowd’s reaction might just be the final nail in the coffin in the Dutchman’s United career.

                      Brutal Amorim decision

                      Amorim could have chosen to take off Rasmus Hojlund as well but his decision to sub off the Netherlands international made it clear that he is not considered good enough for the Red Devils.

                      He has a mere four goals in 23 games and looks more of a link-up player than a ruthless finisher, which is something the head coach is desperate for currently.

                      United had to fight off interest from Juventus and AC Milan to land Zirkzee from Bologna and according to Teamtalk, the forward is eager to return to Italy to regain his “mental serenity”, something he lost in Manchester.

                      His agent was supposed to meet the United hierarchy and Amorim to discuss his future and the Newcastle decision once again proved his future might lie away from Old Trafford.

                      Thiago Motta, his former Bologna boss, is currently in charge of Juventus and he wants his former protege to join him while AC Milan also remain interested.

                      Interestingly, his former Serie A club have now joined the race and are even open to a short-term deal with Zirkzee also prioritising a return to Serie A.

                      Return to Bologna?

                      “Joshua Zirkzee is wanted by three clubs after deciding that his early substitution against Newcastle is evidence enough that he needs to leave Manchester United as soon as possible after being reduced to tears by Ruben Amorim.

                      “Two of those clubs exploring a potential deal are well documented with both Juventus and AC Milan among his suitors. However, new information received by TEAMtalk reveals that a return to former side Bologna is also a growing possibility.

                      “Despite being one step away from elimination in the Champions League, Bologna’s bid to re-sign the player – even on a short-term loan for the remainder of the season – is gaining momentum.”

                      With Marcus Rashford’s future also up in the air, whether United can afford to loan out Zirkzee as well without any significant incomings remains to be seen.

                      Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images


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                      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