Ruben Amorim admitted Manchester United are becoming embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle after defeat to Newcastle United.
The Red Devils suffered their fourth defeat in five league games as first-half goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton gave the Magpies a 2-0 win at Old Trafford on Monday.
Amorim is already under pressure, having suffered five defeats in his first eight league matches; the worst record for a Man Utd manager in 103 years.
His team lost six games in December, the most in one month since September 1930 (seven).
Amorim acknowledged that the club is going through “one of the most difficult moments in history” but insisted he would not change his approach.
“That's really clear [United are being dragged into a relegation battle]so we have to fight,” he told Sky Sports.
“It's a very difficult moment – one of the more difficult moments in Manchester United's history – and we have to deal with it honestly.
“It was very tough for us. They were the better team and started very strongly. The players suffered a lot on the field.
“It was very difficult for us to turn the tide after conceding the first goal because of the previous results, and we didn't have the positioning to deal with the difficult moments.
“Maybe [you change approach]or you go ahead with your idea, and they have to change coaches. It is a choice that everyone in football has to make.
“If I think this is what is best for the team, I will continue to deliver my message.”
6 – Manchester United have lost six games in December, the most in a single month since September 1930 (7). Re. pic.twitter.com/cApZFtaubw
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 30, 2024
The Red Devils have now lost three home games in a row for the first time since February 1979, while under Louis van Gaal they have lost three consecutive Premier League games in the same season for the first time since December 2015.
United finish New Year's Eve in 14th place in the Premier League, their lowest turn-of-the-year position in the league since 1989, when they finished 15th that year and eventually finished 13th.
Amorim also explained his decision to replace Joshua Zirkzee after just 33 minutes against Newcastle, with the striker replaced by midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
“You have to think about the team and the player, but the player is suffering,” he added. “I thought the team was suffering and we needed another midfielder to have more ball.
“It was very difficult for me to do that, but I spoke to Josh because it was important to get the message across. It was important for the team that Josh went out.
“I know Josh is a really good guy. When he went to the tunnel, I can understand that some guys are in bad shape, but he's a really good kid.
“It's life and we will support Josh and carry on. Newcastle were better than Manchester United, they were not better than Josh.”
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