Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, took full responsibility for the team’s disappointing 4-1 loss to Newcastle on Sunday, acknowledging that his side’s mistakes were a major factor in their latest embarrassing defeat.
United, now with 14 league losses this season, suffered a heavy defeat at St. James’ Park, with goals from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes sandwiching a brace from Harvey Barnes.
United have not endured such a run of defeats since 1989-90, when they finished 13th in the top flight.
Amorim’s team has struggled in recent weeks, failing to win any of their last four matches across all competitions, leaving them in 14th place in the Premier League and facing the prospect of their lowest finish since their relegation to the second tier in 1973-74.
The only consolation for United came when Alejandro Garnacho equalised in the first half, but they were thoroughly outclassed in the second half, with Amorim acknowledging the team’s deficiencies.
“There were too many mistakes today. They were stronger in the second balls, a better team overall, but we made too many errors, which made it difficult to win,” said Amorim after the match. “It’s hard to point to one thing when so many things are going wrong.”
Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, admitted that United’s chances of recovering their season now rely on their Europa League campaign, with the second leg of their quarter-final against Lyon coming up on Thursday. The tie is currently level at 2-2.
“It’s hard to win against top teams when you make mistakes that help them score,” he added. “We need to focus on Thursday now. It’s really important for us.”
United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, also reflected on the team’s struggles, admitting that the side has failed to show the consistency and bravery needed to compete at the highest level.
“We are in this position because we haven’t been consistent,” said Fernandes. “We need to be more fearless, more brave. We conceded goals today because we tried to be brave, but it didn’t pay off.”
In Eddie Howe’s absence, who was recovering in hospital after falling ill, assistant manager Jason Tindall took charge of Newcastle and was quick to praise the performance of his players. Howe, watching from afar, congratulated the team on their dominant display.
“I saw a message from him congratulating everyone. It lifted his spirits,” Tindall said.
“He trusted us to go out and deliver a performance he would be proud of, and the lads certainly did that.”
