Why always Anfield at the worst time? A December to forget
Talk of the Devils - A show about Manchester United
Deep Dive
Why was December 2023 considered the worst month for Manchester United in 95 years?
December 2023 was Manchester United's worst month in 95 years due to a series of poor performances, including 60 goals conceded and a 14th place in the Premier League table, their lowest rank at this stage since 1989. The team lost multiple games, including a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle, and struggled with consistency and morale.
What is the current state of Manchester United's squad according to the podcast?
Manchester United's squad is described as lacking both physical capacity and technical ability. The team is seen as soft and not very bright, with a mix of undervalued and overpaid players. The midfield, in particular, has been disregarded since Michael Carrick retired, leading to confusion and poor performances.
How has Ruben Amorim addressed the possibility of Manchester United being in a relegation fight?
Ruben Amorim has openly acknowledged the possibility of Manchester United being dragged into a relegation fight, stating that the club needs a shock to wake up. He believes that addressing the issue head-on can jolt the players into working harder to avoid such a scenario.
What are the financial implications for Manchester United if they fail to qualify for European competitions?
Failing to qualify for European competitions would have significant financial ramifications for Manchester United. The club would miss out on the revenue generated from European matches, which is crucial for their financial stability. This could further impact their ability to invest in the squad and improve performance.
What challenges does Ruben Amorim face in implementing his system at Manchester United?
Ruben Amorim faces challenges in implementing his system at Manchester United due to the lack of training time with the squad. He has only had four full training sessions with the group, making it difficult for players to fully understand and adapt to his tactics. Additionally, the squad was not assembled for his system, leading to further complications.
How did Manchester United fans react to Joshua Zirkzee's substitution during the Newcastle game?
Manchester United fans reacted negatively to Joshua Zirkzee's substitution during the Newcastle game, with boos and ironic cheers when his number was held up. The reaction was a mix of frustration with the team's performance and disappointment in Zirkzee's impact since joining the club.
What is the current situation with Marcus Rashford at Manchester United?
Marcus Rashford's situation at Manchester United is uncertain. He has been left out of matchday squads and was an unused substitute in the Newcastle game. Manager Ruben Amorim has not fully explained the reasons for his exclusion, but it appears to be related to Rashford's form and fit within the team's system. Rashford has expressed openness to leaving the club if necessary.
What are the expectations for Manchester United's upcoming match against Liverpool?
Expectations for Manchester United's upcoming match against Liverpool are low, given their poor form and Liverpool's strong performance this season. Liverpool are unbeaten at home and have more than double the points of Manchester United. United will need to focus on defensive stability and hope for a surprise result, with a 0-0 draw being seen as a positive outcome.
- Manchester United's December was their worst in 95 years.
- Team is ranked 14th in the table.
- Inconsistent performances and low fan morale.
Shownotes Transcript