Manchester United centre-half Matthijs de Ligt has insisted that the players “must prove” they can succeed under manager Ruben Amorim as he defended his under-fire manager. Amorim, who was appointed from Sporting last November, oversaw the club’s worst season in 51 years. He needed to kick off the new campaign with positive results, but has had a disappointing start.
United have managed to secure only four points from their first four Premier League matches, marking their poorest start to a season since the 1992/1993 campaign under Sir Alex Ferguson. Manchester City claimed an easy 3-0 victory in the Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon. After the match, Amorim suggested that United would need to change their manager if they wished to alter their style of play, fuelling further speculation about his future at Old Trafford.
De Ligt shared his thoughts after the game before leaving the Etihad. “In the first half, I think they were the better team. But they didn’t have a lot of chances,” he said. “I felt we had numerous opportunities to create chances.
“We just couldn’t make the final ball count. In the second half, they quickly scored the 2-0. But then we went 3-0 down in a rather clumsy fashion.”
When asked whether United are on the verge of gaining more confidence, De Ligt retorted: “Do you see the difference? Do you feel like we’re on the brink of that? Hopefully in the next match. We’re working hard every day, so hopefully we can get there quickly.
“We played better in the second half, but they were definitely much better. And they have quality players up front. That makes all the difference.”
United’s victory over Burnley prior to the international break provided some relief for Amorim, however, following a crushing defeat in the Manchester derby, the pressure is back on. Before the October international break, United are set to face Chelsea, Brentford and Sunderland in the Premier League, providing an opportunity to evaluate Amorim’s position.
When asked about handling external pressures, De Ligt responded: “As we’ve always done, we just have to work hard. We have to improve as a team and hopefully get better. We have to prove it, otherwise it’s no use,”
Erik ten Hag was under severe scrutiny at the beginning of the previous season. Despite winning the FA Cup and surviving the September and October international breaks, Ten Hag was dismissed on 28 October. Amorim needs to secure victories before the upcoming international break.
“My message is that I am going to give everything,” Amorim declared in his post-derby press conference. I will do everything, always thinking about what is best for the club.
“That was always the same message. It is not my decision, the rest (on whether United change manager). Until I am here, I will do my best. I really want to win games. I am suffering more than them.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk