The highs of a memorable Lyon outing were cast aside as a misfiring Manchester United fell to a 1-0 defeat against Wolves on Sunday afternoon.
Despite retaining ample possession and crafting multiple opportunities, 12 in total, the familiar failings of this disgruntled outfit again surfaced before Pablo Sarabia sealed a fifth consecutive Premier League victory for the visitors.
Sitting 14th in England’s top tier with a two-point advantage over 17th-placed West Ham, the importance of European success can not be overstated.
But, despite the doom and gloom in Manchester, the emergence of Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson offered glimpses of what can be, alongside another impressive cameo from the majestic Chido Obi.
With a week to lick wounds while preparing for a trip to Bournemouth before passage to Bilbao, here are our five talking points from another regrettable day at Old Trafford.
A troubling lack of goals at Manchester United
Yesterday’s Premier League defeat was the third in four without a goal. Staggeringly, a tally of 38 ranks 15th in the division.
This represents the starkest contrast from United’s European exploits, with 12 notched throughout the past four Europa League encounters.
Inevitably, the mob requires a scapegoat, and the burden falls at the feet of under-pressure Rasmus Hojlund.
The Dane clearly lacks confidence and has managed a solitary strike in his last 28 games. Sources close to the Theatre of Red have advised of the possibility of a Serie A loan in the coming months.
But, as Ruben Amorim reminded BBC’s Match of the Day, a wider issue exists. “We need to continue to work, but it is not just Rasmus,” he said. “The whole team missed a lot of opportunities.”
With ample speculation and suggestions about various summer targets, a proven hitman will play a fundamental role in this Ineos rebuild.
If they are good enough…
Although the remainder of a tumultuous Premier League campaign is inconsequential, Amorim aims to use the fixtures to showcase numerous academy talents.
“I think it is not the best moment or the best season to put some kids to play, because, again, they need a strong base to really show what they can do,” the former Sporting chief said in the build-up. “But, in this moment, we need to do it, and sometimes you have surprises.”
Amass and Fredricson came into the starting XI and earned various plaudits for the ease of their display.
Fredricson routinely stifled Jorgen Strand Larsen, while Amass worked tirelessly on the flank and obtained multiple comparisons to a youthful Luke Shaw.
The Manchester United tradition was respected in some manner with their inclusion, and we hope to see more of our gifted youngsters in the coming weeks.
The importance of Bruno is evident
Starting on the bench for the rarest of fixtures off, Bruno Fernandes was the notable absentee on a frustrating afternoon.
Having earned his fair share of finger-pointing throughout a defined individual Manchester career, his creativity and attacking nous were missing almost immediately.
Christian Eriksen did his best to rekindle an innovative display, with some sublime passing complemented by exquisite dead-ball technique.
But, despite his efforts, Amorim was forced to introduce his captain after an hour to offer a semblance of hope within the Theatre of Dreams.
If the number nine position is a priority. How imperative is another creative outlet?
Protests continue at Old Trafford
There is little to nothing Manchester United supporters can embrace domestically. However, a unified voice against mismanagement and a desire to retain fan culture will remain.
The continued battle against rising ticket prices and ill-treatment of would-be legacy supporters was again on show as collections of the Manchester faithful directed banners towards an uncomfortable director’s box.
Lines including ‘tourists over fans’ blamed Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family for continuously betraying supporters, as chief executive Omar Berrada and chief operating officer Collette Roche sat a mere 10 yards from demonstrations.
With Red News celebrating its 38th year, a combined supporter vision for a satisfactory future will not be quiet. Make no mistake, these people deserve their place at Old Trafford.
Unavoidable statistics on the field
The latest defeat was a 15th in the League this season, the worst since the 1989-90 campaign when Sir Alex Ferguson’s men endured 16 during an undeniably difficult period.
Worryingly, United have only collected nine points from 10 domestic fixtures, mustering victories against Ipswich Town and Leicester City during that time.
As we said yesterday, it was the eighth loss at Old Trafford during the most forgettable of the Premier League era, a solitary defeat behind Sir Matt Busby’s nine in 1962-63.
How do you feel about trips to Bournemouth and Athletic Bilbao? Can Manchester United complete the most unlikely of endings?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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