Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has admitted that his squad is heading into their most challenging fixture of the season against Liverpool feeling “anxious and afraid.”

The Portuguese tactician has been working tirelessly to boost morale at Old Trafford following a dismal run of form that has seen United suffer five defeats in their last six matches, leaving the team languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table.

Facing an in-form Liverpool side, many United fans dread a repeat of the infamous 7-0 thrashing suffered at Anfield two seasons ago. Amorim candidly described his players’ mental struggles, stating:

“They are anxious and sometimes afraid on the pitch. We have to deal with that. The leaders need to step up and support the team, and I take full responsibility for improving our performances.”

Amorim acknowledged that his players are putting in effort but often struggle to express themselves due to their lack of confidence.

“You can see they are trying, but their anxiety sometimes stops them from playing the football we want. Over the past two days, we’ve focused on the basics, sticking to our philosophy, and finding our rhythm again.”

Despite the tough times, Amorim expressed gratitude for the fans who continue to support him.

“The supporters are understandably frustrated, yet it’s humbling to hear them chant my name. I’m giving my all to help the club, and while it’s hard to see now, I’m confident we’ll turn this around.”

Reinforcements and Setbacks
United will welcome back captain Bruno Fernandes and midfielder Manuel Ugarte, both of whom were unavailable for Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle due to suspensions. However, Marcus Rashford is unlikely to feature due to illness, further complicating Amorim’s preparations.

A Testing Period for Amorim
Reflecting on his short yet turbulent tenure at Old Trafford, Amorim humorously noted the toll the role has taken on him.

“You can see it in my face—compare how I looked when I arrived to now!” he joked. “There’s a lot of pressure, but training with the players keeps me going. Having my family here now has also been a big support.”

As United prepare to step into the cauldron of Anfield, Amorim’s rallying cry to his players and leaders will be key to their performance. A positive result could reignite their faltering campaign, but the task at hand could hardly be more daunting.

Diego Leon, the highly-regarded wonderkid from Cerro Porteño, is on the brink of taking a major step in his football career by joining Manchester United. According to his agent, the young defender is set to undergo his medical examination with the Premier League giants in the coming days.

Manchester United’s interest in Leon was initially reported in December 2024. The club moved swiftly to secure the player’s signature, beating out competition from other European teams keen on his talents. Renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano later confirmed that a transfer fee had been agreed upon between United and Cerro Porteño, paving the way for the deal to materialize.

Romano further noted that all the necessary paperwork for the move had been finalized. However, Leon will officially join the Red Devils in the summer of 2025, as he is currently 17 and will celebrate his 18th birthday in April.

Fresh details now reveal that Leon is preparing to travel to England for his medical tests. Paraguayan journalist Bruno Pont reported on X (formerly Twitter), citing an update from Renato Bittar, Leon’s agent. Pont’s post stated: “Speaking with Renato Bittar, he confirmed that in the next few days, he and Diego Leon will head to Manchester, where the player will undergo his medical assessment.”

Upon officially joining Manchester United, Leon will make history as the first Paraguayan player to represent the 20-time English champions. This milestone reflects his rapid rise in the football world. The young left-back made his professional debut for Cerro Porteño in Paraguay’s top division in August and quickly cemented his place in the first team.

Leon’s profile as a player is highly impressive. He possesses a remarkable physical presence for his age, coupled with exceptional technical skills. His ability to advance into attacking areas makes him a potent threat on the left flank. Additionally, his speed and aptitude in one-on-one situations are standout qualities, earning him recognition as one of South America’s brightest emerging talents.

This move aligns with Manchester United’s evolving recruitment strategy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. The club has increasingly prioritized signing young, promising players who can be developed into future superstars. Leon’s arrival exemplifies this vision.

Meanwhile, Manchester United is gearing up for a significant clash against their arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday, as they continue their domestic campaign.

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to bolster their squad with the potential acquisition of Fulham’s left-back Antonee Robinson. Amid a turbulent season, new head coach Ruben Amorim is keen to reshape the team and address key weaknesses, particularly at left wing-back (LWB).

A Season of Struggles for Manchester United
After a poor start to the season, Manchester United parted ways with Erik ten Hag and brought in Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim to reverse their fortunes. However, results have failed to improve under his leadership.

When Ten Hag was dismissed, United sat in 13th place in the Premier League table. Now, the Red Devils find themselves slipping further, currently positioned 14th, as they look to avoid a downward spiral.

Reinforcements Planned for January
According to GiveMeSport, Amorim views the January transfer window as a critical opportunity to implement his vision at Old Trafford. Strengthening the LWB position has been identified as a top priority, and United are reportedly plotting a move for Fulham’s standout defender Antonee Robinson.

The American international has impressed this season with consistent performances, featuring in every Premier League match for Fulham. His attacking contributions have been particularly noteworthy, with seven assists, including a standout game at Anfield where he provided two assists in a 2-2 draw against league leaders Liverpool.

Competition for Robinson’s Signature
Fulham are reluctant to part with Robinson midway through the season, but reports suggest they could consider offers around £40 million. However, Manchester United face stiff competition, with Premier League rivals Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City also expressing interest in the 27-year-old defender.

A Risk-Free Signing for United?
Robinson’s Premier League experience makes him a low-risk option for United, especially given the ongoing struggles in their LWB department. Luke Shaw’s persistent injury issues have left United short on reliable options, while Tyrell Malacia has been sidelined for an entire campaign due to his own fitness problems.

Robinson’s dynamic style of play and proven ability to compete in the Premier League could provide the stability United need on the left flank.

Is Robinson the Solution?
For Amorim, bringing in Robinson could be a pivotal step toward reshaping Manchester United’s fortunes. The USA international’s defensive reliability and offensive output would undoubtedly add a new dimension to United’s game.

However, with rival clubs in the race and Fulham hesitant to sell, United must act decisively to secure Robinson’s services. As the January window heats up, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see if the Red Devils can make this crucial signing.

Would Antonee Robinson be the key to resolving Manchester United’s LWB dilemma? Share your thoughts below