I understand criticism but I don’t care, says Man United manager Ruben Amorim

LONDON – Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim insisted he understands the criticism levelled at him and his team after another English Premier League loss at Newcastle United on April 13, but claimed that losing games is worse than any personal condemnation.

The Red Devils were beaten for the 14th time in the league this season as they lost 4-1 to the Magpies – matching the number of defeats they suffered in the entire 2023-2024 campaign.

They did put together some encouraging passages of play at St James’ Park but Harvey Barnes’ double, capitalising on some poor defending, left Amorim’s team languishing down in 14th spot in the standings with six games left.

“I understand (criticism) but I don’t care,” the Portuguese said.

“Nothing is worse than losing games. People can say whatever they want to say. I don’t want to defend myself or anything like that. If you look at our position in the table, it says it all.

“We need to improve in a lot of things and our position is a reflection of our performances this season.”

Already on course for their worst-ever Premier League points haul, Amorim made five changes to his starting XI to focus on a crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg against French side Lyon to come on April 17.

One change grabbed the headlines after first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana was left out of the squad, with Altay Bayindir handed his Premier League debut.

The Turkey international struggled, however, with his error gifting Newcastle their fourth goal scored by Bruno Guimaraes. Sandro Tonali had opened the scoring before Barnes’ brace, while Alejandro Garnacho scored for United.

“We are going to analyse the game,” Amorim added.

“Many mistakes. They were stronger in the second balls, they were a better team, but we did a lot of mistakes which makes it harder to win a game. It is a little bit of everything, it is hard to point one thing that goes wrong.

“But we need to focus on the next one, we cannot change this one, the next one is massive for us, so let’s focus on the next one on Thursday to play better and to win the game.”

The former Sporting Lisbon boss’ last chance to salvage United’s wretched campaign rests with the Europa League. Lyon visit Old Trafford with the tie level at 2-2.

United captain Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, conceded his team are missing the fighting spirit and consistency required to thrive in the Premier League.

“We are in this position because we have not been consistent in the performances we put out,” he said.

“We lack being more fearless, being more brave. But today was not the case because we ended up conceding goals by trying to be brave.

“It’s easy to criticise because this club has never suffered like this, so it’s normal. You have to be aware you play for United and criticism will be there.”

Newcastle came into the contest looking to do the league double over United for the first time since 1930-31.

However, that was not the daunting task it used to be. The Red Devils have been beaten at home and away by four teams this season – the most times that has happened to the club in a single campaign since 1957-58.

Assistant boss Jason Tindall took charge of Newcastle, with manager Eddie Howe recovering from illness after being admitted to hospital on April 11.

“I have just seen a message from him congratulating the performance from everybody and the team,” he said.

“He was able to watch it and it lifted his spirits. I think he put his trust in everybody to go out there and deliver a performance he would be proud of and the lads certainly delivered that.” REUTERS, AFP