Manchester United: Relegation ‘a possibility’ says Ruben Amorim

Four teams have been relegated in the Premier League era having been in United’s current 14th position at the turn of the year. Leeds were the last two seasons ago.

Of course, it might not come to that but on the evidence of events at Old Trafford, it might need an injection of new players when the transfer window opens on 1 January.

Except, money is in short supply at a club that lost £113.2m in the financial year to June 2024.

“We don’t have that possibility in January if we don’t take some players [out],” said Amorim. “You know the situation better than me.

“It is not that I am arriving here and know I can spend money changing the team.”

Selling players might be an option.

But what is the market for Casemiro, a Brazilian legend at Real Madrid but now a passenger in the Premier League with 18 months of his contract left.

Or Joshua Zirkzee, signed in the summer from Bologna for £36.5m on a five-year deal but who lasted just 33 minutes of this shambles before he was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo to huge applause from the home fans.

“It was a very difficult moment,” said Amorim. “He is a human being.”

Zirkzee returned to the bench to a more appreciative response after a trip to the dressing room but how does Amorim find a worthwhile place in his squad for the Netherlands international.

And then there is Marcus Rashford. The England forward returned to the matchday squad after a four-game absence but remained on the bench as United lost their fourth successive game in all competitions and their third in a row in the league, during which time they have not scored a goal.

Amorim said he was not making a point – but if Rashford can’t get a place in this team, his coach really cannot have a high opinion of him.

“I think about the team, you think a lot about Marcus,” he said afterwards. “I just want to win the game.”