Rúben Amorim admits Manchester United’s loss vs Newcastle shows a “massive problem” in his squad

Rúben Amorim has admitted that the recent loss against Newcastle has shown that Manchester United have a “massive problem” in the squad.

Manchester United will open their 2025 campaign with a challenging trip to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, where they will face Premier League leaders Liverpool in what could be their toughest test of the season.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool are soaring at the top of the table, while United are struggling in 14th place, only seven points above the relegation zone. Manager Rúben Amorim has acknowledged that the club are going through one of the darkest periods in their modern history.

United have suffered five defeats in their last six league matches, including home losses to Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Newcastle United. Away from home, they have also fallen to Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Although the odds are heavily stacked against them, a win at Anfield could be a turning point for United, offering a chance to leave a dismal 2024 behind and start the new year with renewed hope.

Headline

Against Newcastle, United went 1-0 down within just a few minutes of kick off thanks to Alexander Isak’s opener, and after 20 minutes, found themselves with a two-goal deficit after midfielder Joelinton knocked in a second.

Speaking to the press on Friday afternoon, Amorim admitted that the start against the Magpies is the result of a wider “massive problem” for United, that they have been starting games poorly despite scoring within minutes of his first few games at the club.

“That is clear. That is a massive problem for us, not just this game,” the 39-year-old explained.

“When I arrived we scored goals in the first minute, but now that’s changed. We have to be prepared for a strong start from Liverpool.”

Continuing, he said: “I’m just focused on the performance. I’m not focused on losing or what might happen. We know what we’re going to face and my focus is for the team to not suffer like in the first 15 minutes against Newcastle, prepare the team for these situations.”

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.