The festive season might be here, but there’s little to be cheerful about at Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim’s side were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, a result that leaves the club mired in the bottom half.
Goals from Dean Huijsen, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo sealed success for the Cherries, whose mood could hardly be in greater contrast after climbing into the top five.
For United, however, this was a seventh league defeat of the campaign. The result extends the club’s worst-ever start to a season and change in the dugout has done little to improve their fortunes to date.
Defeat to Bournemouth also means Manchester United will spend Christmas Day in the bottom half of the table for the first time in the Premier League era. It’s the first time they will be absent from the top 10 at Christmas since 1989.
In a season of unwanted records, it’s another to add to the collection.
Speaking to Match of the Day at full-time, Amorim said he always expected the job to be a huge challenge.
“It’s really hard especially if you saw the game. We concede one foul and then a goal. We were winning second balls and creating chances. We conceded a penalty and then the third goal. It was really hard for the fans. We have to go again next game.
“We have a lot of situations where they managed to score a little bit similar to Tottenham. It’s really hard on everyone in the stadium. We have to fight this moment.
“We have to maintain the calm when you suffer a goal. It was similar in the last match. The players need to understand the game has different moments.
“I always expected [job to be tough], especially in these busy months. We are ready to face the challenge.”
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