Ruben Amorim urged Manchester United to focus on what they can control, rather than the discontent within Old Trafford, after Sunday's defeat to Bournemouth.
Andoni Iraola's side were good value in a 3-0 win at Old Trafford, with Dean Huijsen putting his side ahead before Justin Kluivert's penalty and Antoine Semenyo's finish sealing three points.
The defeat leaves United bottom of the table at Christmas for the first time since the 1989–90 season and provides Amorim with a mountain to climb in the new year.
However, the former Sporting CP boss is set to turn things around as he called on United to ignore the murmurs of frustration at Old Trafford.
“It's difficult to aim for two, three wins and we're trying,” Amorim said after United followed up an impressive 2-1 win over Manchester City with defeat in their next league match.
“This match was tough for us. We were again struggling with set pieces and we were a bit nervous, I felt that in the stadium.
“The penalty and another goal are very tough here. We tried to score some goals, but it was a tough match, so let's move on.”
“If you look at the match, before the first goal we didn't concede anything, we had chances. If we manage to score the first goal, the match should be different. We want to score but we are too nervous. We have to fight this.
“After the penalty we have to control the game better because we know this situation is very difficult. We have to control this moment better.
“We have to concentrate on the work and not on what you feel in the stadium. It is the only way I can concentrate on my players. We have to suffer again, but we will try to win. We will do this until the end. “
4 – Only Southampton (5) have conceded three or more goals in a home game in the Premier League more often this season than Manchester United (4). Incorrect. pic.twitter.com/mfhKwIJCYs
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 22, 2024
United have now conceded 17 goals in the Premier League in 2024, excluding penalties, the most ever in a single calendar year in the competition.
There are still many defensive issues, but the same cannot be said for the struggling Iraola side, who moved up to fifth place with this win.
“It's an important win for us,” Iraola said. “We won 3-0, but it was harder than it looks when you see 3-0. I think we were quite solid, it was a mature performance.
“Kep [Arrizabalaga]'s performance helped us this year. He was very good in possession and with positions. I think he is confident and in a very young defensive line we need players with experience.
“I'm glad we were more clinical. We scored from set play. I think it was a solid performance. Not great, but it was solid.
“I appreciate the 28 points. I think the number of points we have is good. At Christmas it is a good number.”
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