Premier League might not matter, but this was embarrassing
I’ve been saying this for weeks — Premier League doesn’t matter anymore. But this game went beyond that. This wasn’t just about priorities. This was United players giving up. After that amazing performance against Athletic, this was the total opposite. Lazy, careless, no fight.
Yes, the game felt pointless. But when you have fans in the stands, a manager who’s giving his all, and a badge on your chest — you don’t just walk through 90 minutes like that. That’s not okay.
Amorim takes the blame
Rúben Amorim’s post-match press conference hit hard. He blamed himself. Said if he couldn’t change the culture, someone else should come in and try. That’s how serious this is.
“I have that feeling: we need to change that. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave. Because we will not have a next season like this.”
— Amorim, after the match
It’s painful to watch someone with that personality, someone who wants to build something special, suffer like this. The truth is, this isn’t on him. It’s on the players.
Breaking down the goals
26th minute: West Ham’s first goal was just poor defending all around. Wan-Bissaka found Kudus, who beat his man and passed it across to Soucek. Amass couldn’t get the physical challenge in, and Soucek flicked it into the bottom corner.
57th minute: Second goal came straight from Ugarte losing the ball in midfield. He was sleeping. Wan-Bissaka wins it, finds Bowen, and Bowen smashes it in. 2-0. That was it. Game done.
Ugarte, Rasmus, and the midfield problem
Let me say this — I like Ugarte. I like his passion. But he cannot start the final against Spurs. Not after today. He keeps losing possession. He’s supposed to be our ball-winner. The one who makes it simple. But lately, he’s been a liability.
Mainoo isn’t strong enough defensively to partner Casemiro either, so I don’t know who Amorim trusts. But Ugarte’s current form is a risk.
As for Rasmus — the pressure is clearly getting to him. He missed two easy chances again. He’s not United’s number nine right now. Maybe one day. But not this season. I’d honestly consider selling him with a sell-on clause. Let him find confidence elsewhere.
This is exactly why I’m unsure about Liam Delap. The pressure of being United’s striker is massive. And if he comes in too young, we might repeat the same mistake.
Lindelöf. Please no.
Late in the game, Lindelöf almost gifted Bowen a third. Bayindir had to pull off a big save. The problem with Lindelöf is he’s never average. He’s either really solid or absolutely awful. There’s no in-between. With Yoro injured, we’re in trouble.
I hope Heaven is fit. I hope De Ligt makes it back. Give me a back three of Shaw/Heaven, Maguire, and Mazraoui/Deligt. Just not Lindelöf.
Stats don’t tell the full story
We had more shots. More possession. A better xG. But none of it mattered. We were second-best in effort. That’s the real reason we lost.
United had 20 shots, only five on target. Rasmus had chances. Amad looked quiet. Garnacho tried, but it wasn’t his day. It was just a flat, boring, low-effort game. And that’s hard to accept, even when the league doesn’t matter.
Injuries, emotions, and what’s next
The Yoro injury is worrying. Some fans asked if he should’ve played. But what was Amorim supposed to do? Not play him for over a week straight? Of course he was going to start. Sub him off at 60, maybe. But this is just unlucky.
Kulusevski got injured for Spurs too, so it’s a bit of tit for tat. Hopefully neither is serious. The final is going to be huge.
Our next league game is against Chelsea. I would rest everyone. But after today, I wouldn’t be surprised if Amorim starts some of them just to get a response.
Matchday experience update coming soon
I’ll be writing a new post on the script section this week about the second leg at Old Trafford — the full matchday experience guide. Where to go, what to eat, where to vibe before the match. If you’ve never been to OT, this one’s for you.
Final thoughts
Bad day. Very bad performance. But we move. We focus on the final. That’s all that matters now.
YANITED forever.
UNITED SCRIPTED. 
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