standard.co.uk

Amorim urges Man United players to ignore 'nervous' Old Trafford crowd

Ruben Amorim admitted Manchester United are currently “too nervous” on and off the pitch as their struggles continued.

Bournemouth enjoyed a sensational three-goal win at Old Trafford for the second season in a row, as Dean Huijsen headed the Cherries in front before Justin Kluivert converted from the penalty spot and Antoine Semenyo capped a dream afternoon.

It leaves United 13th in the Premier League, and they will spend Christmas Day in the bottom half of the table for the first time since the 1989/90 season.

Amorim’s side produced a dramatic late comeback to beat Manchester City last weekend, but it has not taken long for the problems to return and the United boss suggested the nerves his players could feel in the stadium contributed to the defeat to Bournemouth.

"We suffered again on set-pieces and we were a bit nervous, I felt it in the stadium,” Amorim said.

“The penalty and another goal are really hard here. We tried to score some goals but it was a tough match so let's move on.

“If you look at the game, we were not conceding anything before the first goal, we had opportunities. If we manage to score the first goal then the game should be different. We want to score but we are too nervous. We have to fight this. After the penalty, we need to control the game better because we know this situation is really hard. We have to control better this moment.

"We have to focus on the job and not what you feel in the stadium. It's the only way I know how to focus my players. We have to suffer again but we will try to win. We will do it until the end."

Amorim has now taken charge of nine United matches, conceding 17 goals and losing four of those games.

However, asked if the job was proving more difficult than he expected, Amorim responded: "I always expected [it to be difficult], especially in these busy months.

“It’s not different than what I expected, so we are ready to face the challenge."

Prince Edward and Sophie ‘unhappy’ with Christmas plans to share cottage with Prince Andrew at Sandringham

Manchester United humiliated as Bournemouth run riot at Old Trafford

Man Utd vs Bournemouth: Premier League - LIVE!