We are improving - Man United coach Amorim sees progress despite struggling to win after 18th loss

Manchester United’s shocking season continued with a 1-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, marking their 18th defeat and highlighting their struggle to translate progress into victories. 

Manager Ruben Amorim, while acknowledging a critical defensive error that cost his side, expressed optimism about the team’s development, emphasising the need to start securing wins to match their improving play.

Speaking post-match, Amorim reflected on the game: “We had some moments, we are improving the way we are playing football and had some chances, but then one situation and we opened our defence.”

“We are building something, but in the end, we have to win games,” he told the Premier League moments after the game. 

His comments paint a season of frustration for United, who remain languishing in 16th place, while Chelsea’s victory bolstered their push for a top-five finish and UEFA Champions League qualification.

The match began with Chelsea asserting early dominance. Noni Madueke squandered a golden opportunity, firing over the bar after a precise pass from Cole Palmer. 

United responded with vigor, and a moment of brilliance seemed to give them the lead when Harry Maguire slid in to convert a pinpoint Bruno Fernandes cross. However, VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for a marginal offside, leaving United deflated.

The second half saw both teams trading chances. Chelsea believed they had a penalty when Tyrique George collided with United goalkeeper André Onana, but VAR overturned the decision. 

The turning point came when Marc Cucurella powered a header past Onana, capitalising on a superb turn and cross by Reece James. Stamford Bridge erupted as Chelsea secured the crucial three points, climbing to fourth in the Premier League standings.

For United, the defeat encapsulated their season: flashes of potential undermined by defensive lapses and an inability to capitalise on opportunities. 

Amorim’s vision for a revitalised United is evident, with improvements in possession and chance creation, but the mounting losses have intensified scrutiny on the Portuguese manager. Fans, while encouraged by glimpses of progress, are growing restless for tangible results.

Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, displayed efficiency, barely needing to shift into top gear to secure the win. The victory showed their growing cohesion and ambition to return to Europe’s elite competition. 

For United, the road ahead remains challenging, with Amorim’s rebuilding project requiring patience and, critically, victories to restore confidence in a faltering campaign.