Ruben Amorim sent a message to his Manchester United squad just moments before kick-off against Bournemouth.
In what was easily the most dramatic match of the Premier League season so far, Manchester United drew 4-4 with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were leading on three separate occasions against the Cherries, but were unable to turn their advantage into three points.
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United had a terrible record against Bournemouth coming into the match, and Ruben Amorim will be pleased to have avoided a repeat of last season’s humiliating defeat.
But Monday’s result will feel like two points dropped, especially after what he told his players before kick-off.
Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford during draw with Bournemouth
Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim warned Man United about second-half collapse
This is certainly not the first time Amorim has stood frustrated on the sidelines and watched United throw away a lead.
In fact, United’s second-half record is terrible, and the Red Devils have suffered similar collapses against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.
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In his pre-match interview with Sky Sports, Amorim specifically mentioned that United needed to be “mature” if they gained a lead against Bournemouth.
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“We are not defending our box well, we have to be better across the 90 minutes. We have moments, but we are inconsistent across a game,” Amorim said.
“We need to be a more mature team, because we have had some games where we have had an advantage in the scoreline and then slipped and cost us a lot of points.
“It could be a different story if we were better in that respect.”
Lack of focus is costing points
United now sit sixth in the Premier League table and are firmly in the race for Champions League qualification, but Amorim must be wondering what could have been this season.
Priceless points have been thrown away in games where United have dominated.
Against Bournemouth, United could have easily been three goals up by half-time if the quality of finishing was better.
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Like in the draw to Nottingham Forest, United lost focus at the start of the second half and lost their hard-earned lead.
If United can get over their mental block, there is a very realistic chance of competing for a top-five finish.
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