Ruben Amorim warned that Manchester United have been “soft” defending close to their box and said there is little time at Old Trafford to build consistency, so victories must come immediately.
He pointed to recent matches to illustrate his point: United conceded twice inside two minutes after half-time in the 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest on November 1, followed by another 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham a week later. On Monday Night Football Everton beat them 1-0 with their only shot on target. United have scored and conceded 19 goals each this season.
Amorim said the team have limited opponents’ access to the final third at times, but remain vulnerable around the penalty area. “We are being really soft near the box so we need to improve that,” he said, highlighting problems with dealing with crosses and failing to press effectively in key moments against Forest. He added that even against Everton — who finished the game with 10 men — United should not have conceded from the only effort on target: with more players around the box they should win those duels.
He stressed the issue is collective, not just about individual defenders. The team are scoring goals, he noted, but must stop conceding them. “It’s not about the defenders, but about the team and the way we feel our danger near the box,” he said, calling the two quick Forest goals after half-time “a concern.”
Amorim reflected on the Tottenham match too, saying United had control but still allowed an equaliser because they were not aggressive enough in the decisive moments. His main worry is the team’s mentality and understanding in those moments — being stronger in duels and more decisive would turn performances into more points.
With United winless in the league in November after an earlier three-game run of victories, Amorim underlined the urgency at the club. The Premier League is demanding and improving, he said, and “there is no time here,” which leaves him frustrated but focused on getting wins.
On Kobbie Mainoo, who has struggled for club minutes after shining for England at Euro 2024, Amorim said he values him and will use him when it suits the team. He sees Mainoo as a potential starter but must pick the best lineup to win: the priority is the collective and securing results, not any single player, particularly with World Cup aspirations in mind.