Manchester United Fall Short as Ruben Amorim Criticizes Lack of Fight

Manchester United’s struggles were laid bare on Monday night as manager Ruben Amorim voiced his strong frustrations following a damaging 1-0 defeat to 10-man Everton at Old Trafford. The loss, which further dims United’s Premier League ambitions, has placed a spotlight on the team’s lack of fighting spirit and resilience—qualities their opponents displayed in abundance.

Manchester United’s Missed Opportunity Against Ten-Man Everton

Manchester United entered the clash with Everton knowing that recent stumbles by rivals Liverpool and Manchester City had opened a window to climb the table. Yet, Amorim’s men failed to capitalize, putting in a passive performance against an Everton side reduced to ten men after just 13 minutes. Idrissa Gueye’s early red card, the result of a heated exchange with teammate Michael Keane, seemed to galvanize Everton rather than hinder them.

Despite enjoying 75 percent possession, United could not break down Everton’s disciplined defense. The Toffees seized their chance with a stunning Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall strike and then defended resolutely for the remainder of the match, clinching their first victory at Old Trafford since 2013.

Ruben Amorim’s Honest Assessment: “Not Even Near” the Required Level

In his post-match press conference, Ruben Amorim did not mince words about Manchester United’s lackluster display. “I think Everton were the better team with 11, and they worked even harder with 10 men for 70 minutes. We didn’t play with the right intensity or quality. We’re not at the level to fight for the top spots— not even near it,” Amorim admitted.

He expressed concern that his squad risked falling back into the stagnation of previous seasons. “That feeling from last season is my biggest worry. We need to train better, work harder, and find a way to play with more purpose. I’m staying to see this through, but the players have to step up. We train tomorrow, and we need to be ready for the next test.”

Ruben Amorim Admires Everton’s Fighting Spirit

Interestingly, Amorim revealed a sense of envy towards Everton’s internal fire, even as it led to Gueye’s dismissal. “Fighting isn’t a bad thing,” he said. “It’s about passion and accountability—if you lose the ball, you fight for it. That’s what I want from my players—the will to battle for every moment. I didn’t agree with the red card, but I respected the desire behind it.”

He further explained that such on-pitch disputes can show a team’s commitment, as long as they do not cross the line into reckless behavior. Amorim’s comments reflected a manager desperate for his squad to show more intensity and unity, even if it means confronting each other in the heat of the match.

Premier League Table and What’s Next for Manchester United

After the defeat, Manchester United find themselves 10th in the Premier League, level on 18 points with Everton and now 11 points off leaders Arsenal. With upcoming visits to Crystal Palace and other challenging fixtures, Amorim knows his team must rapidly improve to salvage their season.

United fans will be especially frustrated given the dropped points by their closest competitors this weekend. As Amorim put it, “We needed to show more excitement and drive after seeing those results. It wasn’t about one mistake—it was the whole team.”

For a club of Manchester United’s stature, such a tepid reaction to opportunity is unacceptable. Supporters will hope the squad finds the motivation and resilience demanded by their manager.

Opinion: United Must Find Their Identity and Fight

Manchester United’s defeat at home to a ten-man Everton highlights deeper issues than just tactics or personnel. Amorim’s comments strike at the heart of what’s missing: belief, fight, and unity. Unless United rediscover the grit and identity that once defined them, they risk drifting further from the top of English football. For more news on Manchester United’s progress and all things football, visit for more news.