Manchester United’s recent match against Everton at Goodison Park exposed a recurring issue that has plagued the team this season: their sluggish starts. Head coach Ruben Amorim expressed his frustration following a 2-2 draw, highlighting that his team’s inability to begin matches with vigor has put them in perilous positions. Both goals from Everton stemmed from lapses in defense, a stark reminder of the team’s vulnerability during the opening stages of play.
Despite equaling the score through Bruno Fernandes’ superbly executed free kick and Manuel Ugarte’s inaugural goal for the club, the game served to underscore a significant problem. United’s poor first-half performance has now resulted in a striking statistic: they have scored only once in the first half in their last 11 league games. This misery continued on Merseyside, with United failing to register a shot in the first forty-five minutes, emphasizing a lack of urgency and purpose that is critically undermining their efforts.
Amorim’s post-match analysis pointed to a disheartening trend wherein United’s players appeared to lack both confidence and decisiveness, losing possession in situations where they should have controlled the game. “The worst part is that we have the free men…” he lamented, highlighting a team that struggles to perform even with opportunities presenting themselves. Their defenders, too, were called out for being “soft,” conceding goals from second balls—an area that demonstrated Everton’s intent and tactical awareness while exposing United’s defenses as fragile.
This pattern of slow beginnings raises troubling questions about the underlying issues within the squad. It’s indicative not only of physical readiness but also mental fortitude—a combination that is vital for competing at the highest levels in the challenging Premier League. While United did show resilience in the second half and came close to clinching a victory, the stark contrast between their halves reveals deeper concerns about consistency and motivation.
Amid these challenges, Amorim’s sentiment of uncertainty regarding solutions reflects the precarious position of Manchester United in the league. Currently situated at 15th in the table, the team has only managed to claim victory in one of their last five league outings. This grave reality raises significant queries about the effectiveness of their current strategy and the players’ readiness to respond to adversity.
With an imminent fixture against Ipswich Town and an FA Cup clash against Fulham on the horizon, there is little time for reflection before the players must regroup and focus on the immediate challenges within their grasp. The pressing need for improvement is evident, as surviving this season is the only immediate goal. Ultimately, for Manchester United to reclaim their status among footballing elites, addressing their notorious slow starts must become a priority—one that could define the remainder of their campaign.