Sir Alex Ferguson’s two-word message to Ruben Amorim as Man Utd crisis escalates

Manchester United remain 13th in the Premier League table following a dismal 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton, with new manager Ruben Amorim facing the same old problems

Ruben Amorim has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson told him to ‘stay positive’ before Manchester United’s crisis deepened with a 3-1 loss at home to Brighton.

Amorim’s men are rooted to 13th in the Premier League table, having failed to build on Thursday’s late 3-1 turnaround against bottom-placed Southampton. The Red Devils boss has only won six of his 14 games in charge, with United failing to show any signs of a much-needed new manager bounce.

Ferguson, who took charge at Old Trafford in 1986 with the club at a similarly low ebb, was in attendance against Brighton, as United paid tribute to the late Denis Law, who sadly passed away aged 84 last week. During the club’s pre-match tributes, Amorim and Ferguson had a lengthy chat.

Referee Peter Bankes had to wait for Ferguson to finish talking to United’s current manager before he could start the game. Following the Red Devils’ sixth home loss of the season in 12 league games, Amorim revealed what he was told.

“Keep positive,” the Portuguese told BBC Radio 5 Live. Those weren’t the only noteworthy comments Amorim made after the bruising defeat, labelling his side ‘maybe the worst’ in United’s history.

“In [the past] 10 games in Premier League, we won two,” Amorim acknowledged during his post-match press conference. “Imagine what this is for a fan of Manchester United. Imagine what this is for me. We are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. I have full knowledge of that.

“We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United. I know you [the media] want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go: your headlines.”

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United found themselves a goal down with just five minutes on the clock, as Yankuba Minteh put the visitors ahead. Bruno Fernandes equalised from the penalty spot but Brighton’s lead was restored on the hour mark.

Kaoru Mitoma poked home at the far post shortly after the Seagulls had a goal chalked off by VAR but there was no denying that one. It then became 3-1 when United goalkeeper Andre Onana made a mess of claiming the ball and gifted Georginio Rutter a simple finish.

There was no comeback and Amorim will be finding it hard to heed Ferguson’s advice.

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