RUBEN AMORIM is certainly not stupid and he can read the crowd at Old Trafford.
Although during his previous appearance at the Theater of Dreams, he also witnessed a leaking roof during his post-match press conference… which sums up the state of Manchester United at the moment.
Yet the Portuguese coach knows all about the importance of a bond with the supporters and he can clearly see that the Red Devils fans are all “tired” of the situation at their chaotic club.
Amorim has only been at United for just over a month, but the 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at Wolves was his fifth in seven games since taking charge following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.
And now he must prepare for Monday's visit to in-form Newcastle.
The former Sporting Lisbon chief, 39, has a contract until 2027 and claims this is enough time to be assessed.
He is not helped by being put in such a toxic situation, with fans disillusioned with the way United are managed on and off the pitch.
Still, Amorim's problem is that the team has gone BACKWARD in recent weeks.
United's last home game was Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, when his roof started leaking.
Incredibly, it was the club's fourth Prem defeat at Old Trafford this season.
Eddie Howe's side are coming off a run of four straight wins, so a game against Newcastle is the last thing United need.
Still, Amorim insisted: “We have to fight everything because our supporters are always there, but they are tired of this moment.
“It's part of football to have these difficult moments. I already knew it was going to be tough.
“You expect to win more games, to have players with more confidence to sell the idea and work and improve things.
“It's very difficult at the moment. We have to survive to have time and then improve the team.”
Amorim cannot be faulted for his honesty. He also admitted the mood at Old Trafford could be tense if Newcastle attack.
He added: “We have to expect that any Newcastle play near our penalty area will make the stadium nervous and our players have to deal with that.
“It is a very strong team with a lot of speed and a lot of time to work with the same coach. We want to be competitive and try to win the game, that's all.”
'Worst Man Utd in half a century'
This is currently the worst United team in half a century, which is incredible considering how much money has been spent in recent seasons.
It's not just the absence of quality either. There is a lack of belief and energy and the team is so predictable.
There is no reason why United can't beat Newcastle. But it wouldn't be a surprise if they were beaten 4-0.
After the loss to Wolves, Amorim admitted that the team needed to 'survive' in the Premier League as they sit 14th in the table, eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Another concern is that United are struggling with corners and free kicks. This season they have conceded ten goals from set pieces, five of which have come under Amorim's command.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana was beaten by a Matheus Cunha corner at Molineux, seven days after Tottenham's Son Heung-min did the same against Altay Bayindir in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
Set-piece problem
The fact that Wolves had practiced trying to score straight from corners this week showed that there is a problem as Onana is not protected by his defenders.
Amorim admitted, “Set pieces become so important. We have to learn, even with the little boys.”
United's new coach was also asked whether the Red Devils fans could play a role against Newcastle on Monday by boosting the atmosphere.
But he said: “I wouldn't dare ask anything from our fans. They give us everything: a full stadium, they always support us and blow loss after loss.
“I just want to give something to the fans, not ask something from them.”
Fernandes walks a disciplinary tightrope
United will be without captain Bruno Fernandes after his red card at Wolves.
Although the Portuguese playmaker's dismissal from Spurs was overturned in September, he remains on a disciplinary tightrope and cannot be trusted.
Asked if former skipper Harry Maguire could be reinstated, Amorim said: “He will have to wait until the match.
“It works really well. He is focused on the work, not on what people say. He doesn't make excuses, even though he has had difficult moments.
“I think he is an example in that respect, so he is there to play and help the team. That's what he's trying to do.”
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