Manchester United fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in a gripping Premier League showdown on Sunday.
James Maddison capitalised on a weak save from Andre Onana, calmly slotting home the rebound to give Spurs the lead.
While the Red Devils showed glimpses of quality in fleeting moments, they ultimately lacked the cutting edge required to break through.
Speaking after the game, manager Ruben Amorim admitted that he was worried about United’s league position.
He said (via BBC Sport): “It was the difference of the game, they scored and we didn’t. We had the opportunities.
“We had situations in transitions, trying to get a result, but in the end they scored and we didn’t.
“We want to recover the players – I think we can recover some players for the next game. We have to be together to finish the season and start over.
“The place in the table is my worry – I am not worried about me.”
There were a few bright spots for United despite the defeat.
Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu stood out with their composure, performing their roles with confidence and maturity.
However, Casemiro and Onana failed to step up as leaders when their team needed them most.
The Brazilian international is in the twilight of his career and can no longer play with the sharpness needed in the Premier League.
Onana has made key saves for the Red Devils, but his series of costly errors over the past year and a half have raised serious questions about his position in the team.
This latest defeat leaves United in 15th place in the league, just 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
With their current form, they seem destined to finish in the bottom half of the table, which could have significant financial repercussions.
United are at a point where winning is crucial, regardless of whether their performances are up to par.
They visit Everton on Saturday. The Toffees have experienced a resurgence under new manager David Moyes and could make it difficult for United to even secure a point.
