As the camera panned to Ruben Amorim two thirds of the way through this 1-0 defeat to Tottenham, the Manchester United manager could be seen sat in the away dugout staring at the turf, unmoved.
This was an eighth loss in 12 Premier League games for the Red Devils, James Maddison’s early goal proving the difference and leaving Amorim’s side still languishing in 15th place.
The United head coach was left with little choice but to hand Casemiro a first league appearance since the turn of the year, despite making it clear that he is not part of his plans going forward.
Amad Diallo — the shining light in a dim season — is out for the rest of the campaign with ankle ligament damage, while Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer all picked up injuries leaving Amorim with a dearth of midfield options.
At the other end, United played such a risky game as they tried to get back into it, their defensive positioning so poor that gaping holes were left open for Tottenham’s nimble attackers to break into.
