Manchester United

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

Who has had the most horrific season so far?

Southampton are marooned and regularly outclassed but expectations were low to start with. Spurs have a claim given they have plummetted after being expected to challenge for a top-four spot. Even Manchester City have an interest considering the giddy heights they have fallen from, but surely Manchester United are hitting the jackpot for booby prizes.

Ruben Amorim has probably known for a few weeks as he chopped and changed personnel - though never the system - that Sisyphus had an easier job in comparison to his. He only had to try to push a boulder up a mountain while it continually rolled back down for eternity.

Trying to clamber up the Premier League table seems less soul-destroying right now.

Amorim's comment that this could be the worst Manchester United team ever is not accurate, but it is the subtext behind the headline that is important: "You lot simply aren't good enough."

Considering these are the players that must get him out of the canyon-like hole he is in, this is a high-stakes gamble.

Will they be emboldened to go into battle for him or will enough of them totally lose faith in the man who has lost faith in them? We will soon find out.

One thing is clear, he has gone for the nuclear option in terms of managerial ordnance. It is understandable to some degree, but he has pressed that button staggeringly early in his tenure. There is nowhere else to go if this doesn't work.

Well nowhere except back to Portugal if things do not turn around relatively soon and the United hierarchy do not continue to have the patience of an army of saints.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

Matthijs De Ligt says the pressure at Manchester United is "the highest" he has experienced at any club and it is "a lot more negative than positive."

Speaking to Dion Dublin for Football Focus, the 25-year-old said: "At every club I've been, the pressure has been really high - at United, pressure is the highest.

"United is still the biggest club in England and we know the way we've performed this year is not good enough.

"The pressure becomes bigger, bigger and bigger and you feel it more - it's a lot more negative than positive.

"You feel it as a player. The only thing I'm happy about is that I didn't make the step from Ajax to here, because maybe then it would've been too much.

"I had some experience in Italy. During the first three months, the pressure was really big because I was signed for £75 million and I couldn't make a mistake.

"So, I learned by failure and disappointment to deal with the critics - that helps me a lot in the situation we are in this year."

The Dutch international has played in all but two of United's Premier League games this season, starting the past five games in all competitions, but he knows the club's form needs to change swiftly.

"Football is a really strange sport," he said. "It can change out of nowhere - sometimes it's about finding the right formula.

"At the moment we are not there, but I keep my hopes up that we will find it really soon."

Watch Football Focus from 12:00 GMT on Saturday

Chelsea are set to hold more talks with winger Alejandro Garnacho, 20, who is valued at £50m. (Telegraph - subscription required, external)

Meanwhile, United and Brazil winger Antony, 24, is close to completing a loan move to Real Betis. (Sky Sports, external)

United have made enquiries for Bournemouth and Hungary's Milos Kerkez, 21, Wolves and Algeria's Rayan Ait-Nouri, 23, and Crystal Palace and England's Tyrick Mitchell, 25, as Ruben Amorim prioritises signing a left wing-back. (The i), external

Marseille are the latest club to express an interest in signing Marcus Rashford. (L'Equipe, external)

However his favoured destination is Barcelona, who have freed up funds to allow them to sign the England international. (Athletic - subscription required, external)

Ligue 1 side Monaco are also interested in Rashford and could afford his £315,000-a-week wages in a loan deal. (Sun, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

On the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, the panel discussed what is going wrong tactically for Manchester United's new look back three system.

Former Everton defender Phil Jagielka believes that the wing-backs are struggling to make an impact in Ruben Amorim's side.

"Wing-back wise, most successful teams have a right footer on the right side and a left footer on the left side," said Jagielka.

"Because they are playing with them inverted, it makes it so easy to play against; all you have to do is show them out wide and they are so uncomfortable.

"[Diogo] Dalot has done an okay job at left wing-back, but he is not the guy to come inside and start playing amazing passes. On the other side he has tried Antony and [Amad] Diallo and it just hasn't worked."

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says the Red Devils are struggling against "lesser teams" because the pressure is on them to press and the expectation is to win.

Jagielka replied: "There's literally no one who's comfortable in their own position."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer

Presenter Gaz Drinkwater speaking on what has been described as one of the "moodiest" episodes of The Devils' Advocate ever in the wake of defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford: "I just don't think those players are very good. When a team like Brighton come in and are well coached, it almost feels like there are higher standards there than at Man Utd now.

"Amorim said they might be the worst Man Utd team ever, I think pound for pound, they are heading that way. They are absolutely heading the way of being known as the worst Manchester United team we have ever seen. I think every single one of those players knows that and feels some shame in that. If they don't they really should as that is what they are going to be remembered for.

"We have had great times in recent years winning the FA Cup, League Cup, even the Europa League. But when you compare this team to the pantheon of greats we have had, what they cost, the wages they take, then yes, every single one of them will go down as the worst Manchester United team ever. What a stain that is to have on your career."

Presenters Gaz and Joe discussed Ruben Amorim's insistence to stick to his 3-4-3 system despite United's recent failings.

Joe questions if a 'Plan B' is necessary when things aren't working.

"At least we are trying something different", said Gaz. "At least we have a manager who has his way of playing and will stick to it no matter what, an identity. We have players who aren't good enough. These players are average Premier League players on title-winning wages. That's the problem at Manchester United right now."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Alex Turk
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

If there is one thing Manchester United must do before the clock strikes 11pm on February 3, it's sign a left-wing-back.

Ruben Amorim has been handed wet twigs and been told to start a fire at Old Trafford.

He left his self-built empire at Sporting despite preferring to stay until the summer and inherited the worst performing squad in United's history.

Erik ten Hag created what can only be described as a Frankenstein's monster of a football squad with over £600m across three years.

Amorim's already near-impossible job has been made hopeless with the tools at his disposal.

United have won just three of his 11 league games, struggle scoring goals and concede them for fun.

When looking for the source of Amorim's early suffering, you can't scan further than the left-wing-back position.

The Portuguese boss is staying true to his philosophy. He will attempt to instil his 3-4-3 system until it succeeds or he becomes the sixth manager sacked since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson.

An overwhelming reason why the results it's producing have been so diabolical is the fact his likely first-choice left-wing back - Luke Shaw - hasn't been available to play for him yet.

The only other natural option he possesses - Tyrell Malacia - is expected to depart this month, having failed to impress after returning from a long-term injury lay-off.

It has left Diogo Dalot, a natural right-back, essentially attempting to play the role of a left winger.

He had a field day against Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield - but Gary Neville on New Year's Day in 2011 likely would've done on that day.

Dalot can't consistently meet Amorim's designs. United must sign a player who can as soon as an exit clears the necessary space.

That's where Patrick Dorgu might come in…

Find more from Alex Turk at Stretford Paddock, external

On the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, the panel discuss Ruben Amorim's comments after Manchester United's home defeat by Brighton.

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says the comments "will not help the morale" within the squad.

He added: "I suspect there are a lot of egos in the dressing room who will privately be furious that the manager has called them out like that."

Watch the full episode of Monday Night Club on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Manchester United are negotiating to sign 20-year-old Lecce and Denmark left-back Patrick Dorgu. (Athletic - subscription required), external

United have also looked at Wolves' Algeria international Rayan Ait-Nouri, 23, and Crystal Palace and England defender Tyrick Mitchell, 25, with Paris-St Germain and Portugal full-back Nuno Mendes, 22, an unviable option this transfer window. (ESPN), external

Napoli are hoping to reach an agreement on a £50m deal to sign United winger Alejandro Garnacho. (Corriere dello Sport, in Italian), external

AC Milan are considering loan moves for United forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. (ESPN), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Ruben Amorim's comments that his side "may be the worst" Manchester United side ever.

Here are some of your comments:

Sven: A really difficult situation. Amorim seems to have identified that the main problem is not an an ability to understand tactics or technical skills but rather a psychological problem. If this is the case and against a wave of contrary opinion, would Gareth Southgate have been the better choice in the short term before going for a master tactician?

Nelson: The players are bad, but Amorim is worse. How can a manager only have one way of doing things and not be willing to adapt regardless of the outcome. You desperately need goals, yet you freeze out Rashford completely.

Eamonn: I agree with Amorim - his method is the type of system United should be playing - attacking, positive football with energy and commitment. Unfortunately, he has had to come in mid-season and work with a very poor and overpaid squad, which is not his fault. Big clearout needed and then a rebuild started for next season.

Jason: Amorim isn't far wrong with his statement when you factor in the ability and effort of the current players compared with the teams in the past. I don't think it would particularly be a big loss if any of them were sold and replaced. I watched both games against Southampton and Brighton and would have happily swapped players from both of those sides to improve us!

John: Is it a case of a bad workman always blames his tools. Job is too big for this guy, bring back Ruud!

In the latest episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast, hosts Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath dissect Manchester United's defeat by Brighton that led to boss Ruben Amorim calling the team possibly the "worst" in the club's history, and look back on the late win over Southampton on Thursday.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United will promote a charity that campaigns against health inequality on home shirts later this season.

United's male and female players will have the (Red) logo on their shirts for the Premier League game against West Ham on 10 May and Women's Super League encounter with Arsenal, scheduled for the following day, respectively.

It is part of United's £60m-a-year sponsorship deal with Qualcomm Technologies that sees them wear the Snapdragon logo on their shirts. One game a season for the men's and women's senior teams is designated for the charity of Qualcomm's choice, with bespoke shirts being produced in an effort to raise money.

(Red) was launched by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to help fight Aids.

Image source, Getty Images

News conferences are "an opportunity to communicate to your team", says sports psychologist Martin Turner.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim described his team as "maybe the worst" in the 147-year history of the club after their 3-1 defeat at home by Brighton on Sunday.

It was a bold statement from the Portuguese and some pundits have questioned what impact the comments could have on the United players.

"It's pretty rare that someone would be so candid and be so bold in some of those statements. It is a really interesting moment," Turner told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"It is high, high pressure, and you are in front of media and have to think of something to say. For me, it felt like a moment of 'look, here's the reality'. It is somebody who wants some kind of change, wants to move something, to be the catalyst for something.

"With the managers that I work with, I would always think of the press conference, particularly post-match, as principally being for your players. Jurgen Klopp was really good at this. You should use that as an opportunity to communicate to your team. That is where it is used most powerfully.

"You also have to be aware that your colleagues, your players, are also going to see that press conference. Your job is to lead that team.

"Anything you say in public, you should be thinking 'this is something I'm comfortable saying in front of the team'. You shouldn't say anything to the press that you wouldn't be willing to say to an individual player or member of staff."

Turner, however, also insisted that players like to be "challenged" and have the facts.

"They like straight feedback that gets them from A to B - and B being better performances," he added.

"Players want to win games, they want to perform well and if this is part of the process that gets them to that point, then most players will be fine with what happens."

Image source, Getty Images

BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Asked whether Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim should adapt his tactics, despite his repeated comments that he will not be changing his system, Phil answered:

Amorim has his system and he will not be changing it. I suspect he would regard it as an admission of defeat anyway, but he also genuinely believes it will be best for the long term even though there is short-term pain.

The frustration will be that the home defeat by Brighton, as well as an average display in beating Southampton with three late goals, came after excellent performances at Liverpool and Arsenal.

It is the sort of thing that has managers tearing their hair out - but don't hold your breath waiting for a change in his strategy.

Image source, Getty Images

When you look at the stats, Ruben Amorim was slightly exaggerating when he called his team "maybe the worst" in the club's history. But not by a lot.

At this stage of the season, only 13 Manchester United teams have had a lower points tally in the history of the club - the last time being in 1986-87. Here are some other stats that show how badly they are performing:

• This was United's sixth home Premier League defeat of the season, their most from their opening 12 home matches of a league season since 1893-94.

• They have conceded the first goal in their past five Premier League games at Old Trafford - their joint-longest such run in the competition, also doing so five times in a row from August to October 2023.

• United have lost 10 of their 22 Premier League games this season - the earliest into a league campaign that they have hit double figures for defeats since 1989-90.

United have been relegated five times - most recently in 1974. It still seems unlikely that will happen this term, though Amorim did say last month it was a "possibility".

What do you make of the comments, United fans? Agree with Amorim? Or was he wrong to say it? And how have they left you feeling?

Let us know here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Manchester United and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Man Utd fans:

Su: Brighton were full of purpose from minute one, United were not. Talking about the Onana mistake will simply cover the multitude of problems at Old Trafford. Brighton played like a hot knife through butter. This game shone a light on the fact our problems haven't gone anywhere.

Phil: I don't think the players are intelligent enough to play the system Amorim wants. We can't afford to buy players who are familiar with his system. Something has to give. Either new players, new system or - dare I say - new manager. I realise he needs more time with the players on the training ground, but I also don't think they're quick enough or fit enough. Every team we play against know the weaknesses, play through the wing-backs and attack the back three. Whatever happened to two wingers and a centre-forward? Call me old-fashioned but even in these days of possession football, you need to have possession in the final third, not in the defensive third.

Dale: Ruben has to turn his attention to damage limitation now. Just get us towards the top half of the table and focus on building the team around players like Diallo, Mazraoui and Martinez. No point spending big in January unless you can get someone who would genuinely change the whole dynamic. Better off taking the time with the players he has got to really instil his plan! The way I see it, it should now be pressure off and focus on the cups for his trophies.

Brighton fans:

Matty: Old Trafford is now our training ground. Superb second half and it is so enjoyable to see the system of taking our time, winding up the opposition then turning it on full blast in an instant. Consistency is everything now.

Joe: Some awful defending early on in a typically average scrappy first half, but a confident and deserved victory on the road. Good use of substitutes displayed our growing strength and depth.

Tim: A great result following a couple of months of mediocrity. To beat Manchester United at Old Trafford 3-1 again shows how far we have come. No need to get carried away because United are poor at the moment, but nonetheless an important win and a great week for us.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman was not a fan of one of Ruben Amorim's comments after Manchester United's defeat against Brighton on Sunday.

The Portugese coach said his side could be "the worst team in the history of Manchester United", after winning just three of his 10 Premier League matches in charge.

"It's a really bold statement to say they are the worst ever," Osman said.

"I personally wouldn't enjoy being called out like this. It would probably fire me up - which is probably the intent - but no one wants to be known as the worst team ever. It's probably an honest and right on the mark statement."

Watch the full analysis here

Image source, Express and Sun

Blue Monday could be an apt description for Manchester United supporters this morning.

It certainly rings true for manager Ruben Amorim, who gave the gathering press their headline after Sunday's 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton by describing his side as "maybe the worst in the club's history".

"I could not believe what I was hearing," said former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast. "That comment is absolutely crazy.

"I think Amorim is too honest and he needs to be a bit more of a politician. By saying that comment and putting it out to the domain, it puts more pressure on the players.

"How are they going to face him after he's said all of these things? I hope he has given them a different message in the dressing room."

Image source, Star and Telegraph

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brentford 0-2 Liverpool

• Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal

• Everton 3-2 Tottenham

• Man Utd 1-3 Brighton

• Ipswich 0-6 Man City

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton is expected to be the last game for Brazil winger Antony, 24, in a Manchester United shirt, with a verbal agreement reached on a loan move to La Liga club Real Betis. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Manchester United and Chelsea will compete with Bayern Munich for the signing of English midfielder Jamie Gittens, 20, this summer. (Florian Plettenberg, Sky Sports Germany), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport