Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim lashed out at players for slow starts after a 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. United conceded twice in the opening half of the game as Beto and Abdoulaye Doucouré found the back of the net for the hosts.
Both goals were made possible after United was not up to the mark in defense. The Portuguese manager feels his team didn’t exist in the opening half.
However, United captain Bruno Fernandes scored from a free kick whereas Manuel Ugarte scored his first goal for the club in the second half to help Red Devils take a comeback point.
The visitors had 67% possession but could only manage three shots on target whereas Toffees took eight shots on target.
“The worst part is that we have the free men, and we are losing the ball without pressure and we are not doing what we are supposed to do,” Amorim told TNT Sports after the game.
“We did not exist in the first half. … We suffered two goals from second balls, and that was clear that they will create that chances by second balls, we were soft.
“When you go to the game and you let the time pass — it’s really hard. The second half was so much better in belief, and in the end we were near to winning this game.”
Amorim said he doesn’t have immediate solutions to United’s problems as they continue to struggle at 15th place in the Premier League standings.
“I don’t know. If I knew, I would change it,” he said.
“We need to focus on day-by-day; we need to survive this season and then think ahead.”
United will next host 18th-place Ipswich Town on Wednesday at Old Trafford.