Ruben Amorim is concerned by Manchester United's defensive struggles with set-pieces this season, but he also admitted that he feels 'like everything is against' his side at the moment.
Amorim, 39, has brought a new identity to the club since he took over from former manager Erik ten Hag back in November. Although the Red Devils have struggled to find consistency, the Portuguese head coach has vowed to continue with his methods.
"In the past Man United were a team of transition, and we still are. To create chances in the final third, we struggled a lot," he said.
"But for that, it’s the most difficult moment to train. It’s a team that more enjoys waiting for the play and then transitioning and creating problems, so it’s something we have to change. And to have time to change, we need training and to win games."
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"This season is going to be a rollercoaster"
United came from behind to beat relegation-threatened Southampton 3-1 on Thursday night, however Amorim was left frustrated by his team conceding yet another goal from a set-piece.
The visitors were able to make first contact from the in-swinging corner before the ball deflected off Manuel Ugarte with goalkeeper Andre Onana unable to keep it out.
Amad Diallo's 12-minute hat-trick ensured the hosts left with all three points, however Amorim continues to demand improvement from his team.
"Against Southampton, it seems like a simple header [clearance]. Sometimes in the moment, you feel like everything is against you," he added.
"In the end, things change. We have to improve. We played against maybe the best team in the world on set pieces [Arsenal].
"This season is going to be a rollercoaster. We have to improve in all the areas of our game."
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Amorim defends Rasmus Hojlund
Striker Rasmus Hojlund is currently on an eight-game goal drought and his struggles continued at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The 21-year-old is Amorim's first-choice striker option at the moment with the Dane preferred over Joshua Zirkzee, who is yet to make an impact since joining in the summer.
Against Southampton, Hojlund was ineffective and was unable to hold the ball up in the final third. Despite this, Amorim has come to the striker's defence, stating that he isn't concerned about his lack of goals.
"I think it’s a team problem. It’s not just from now, it’s also from the past," he stated.
"We have clearly a lack of goals and threat. When you tread near the opponents, maybe they don’t press you so high; everything is connected. Every player has moments in a season.
"I think when we started together, Rasmus was the player that was always scoring. He can come back in the next game, we will see. It’s more a team problem than a player one."
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Ugarte affected by fatigue
Manuel Ugarte has been a standout player for the Red Devils in recent weeks, starring in positive performances against Liverpool in the Premier League and Arsenal in the FA Cup.
However, against Southampton, the defensive midfielder struggled to cope with the intensity of the match and also scored an unfortunate own goal.
The Uruguayan was subsequently substituted off in the early stages of the second half, as United tried to find a way back into the game.
Amorim was quick to shift the spotlight off Ugarte, before reminding the media of his positive displays in recent weeks.
"I think, and I said that against Southampton, I felt some players were tired, and when they are tired but they’re trying, I have the responsibility to help them and change them, and that is my job, "he said.
"I am trying to be honest with you [media]. I am open and honest about the game, and you are focusing on my comments about Ugarte. Ugarte did a great job against Liverpool and Arsenal.
"You see it if you look at the Liverpool game; Ugarte and Bruno were the best players. They then didn’t play against Newcastle."
