Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim suggested his players lacked “understanding” of game management after Bournemouth won 3-0 at Old Trafford for a second successive season on Sunday.
Dean Huijsen’s 30th-minute header, Justin Kluivert’s penalty after 61 minutes and Antoine Semenyo’s goal two minutes later ensured United stayed 13th, eight points off fourth place.
“After the penalty and the [swift] third goal, it was really tough for the players and fans,” Amorim said after United suffered a second successive home defeat, via BBC Sport.
“It’s a very difficult moment, but we already knew that it was a difficult context. Our focus is to maintain calm when you [let in] a goal.
“We have to manage these moments and try to pass some calm to the players, understanding that the game has different moments.”
🗣️ “It’s hard to push for two or three wins. We’re trying. But this game was hard on us”
Ruben Amorim reflects on Man Utd’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth 🔴 pic.twitter.com/ytBCa38Y7l
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024
Amorim: United ‘ready for challenge’
Huijsen’s opener underlined United’s fragility from set-pieces as the Cherries went fifth above Aston Villa and Manchester City.
Bruno Fernandes sent a shot wide and was denied by visiting goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga before half-time as Amorim tasted defeat for a fourth time in his nine-game tenure.
“We conceded one foul, one set-piece and [conceded],” said the Portuguese, who arrived from Sporting on November 1.
“Then we had a lot of opportunities – without playing really, really well, we were winning second balls, creating chances and getting near the goal. We have one way to improve: to train. We are ready to face the challenge.”
+3 😉 pic.twitter.com/XYWGCGsC5c
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 22, 2024
Marcus Rashford return uncertain
Amorim was non-committal about Marcus Rashford’s involvement when United visit Wolves in their next fixture on December 26 (5.30pm GMT).
Former England forward Rashford is under contract until 2028 but has been left out of United’s last three matchday squads.
United have lost four of their last five domestic matches as they prepare to host Newcastle on December 30 (8pm) before visiting current leaders Liverpool on January 5 (4.30pm).
