Ruben Amorim faces more pressure despite reasons for optimism at Manchester United

Club who used to inspire fear now inspire pity and the head coach, with no credit in the bank, needs a victory at Fulham

Ruben Amorim insisted Manchester United's improved performance in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal was down to the intensity and bravery rather than any tactical tweaks. File picture: Nick Potts/PA

Encouraging signs. Glimmers of promise. Green shoots. It is indicative of just how far Manchester United have sunk that the reaction to their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last Sunday was not shock or scorn or even schadenfreude; it was encouragement. United used to inspire fear in opponents; now they inspire pity.

It is not that there were no reasons for optimism for United. The new forwards who started, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, looked intermittently dangerous. Mason Mount offered a reminder of his quality and if he can stay fit he could have a major role to play. Patrick Dorgu dominated his flank. Amad Diallo sparkled after coming off the bench. David Raya was forced to make seven saves. Dorgu hit a post. There were plausible claims for a penalty when William Saliba appeared to go through the back of Cunha. Opta’s xG model had United winning 1.5 to 1.3.