Perhaps for the first time, Ruben Amorim’s post-match interview was about answering questions about some perceived mistakes he made, rather than just his Manchester United side’s weaknesses on the pitch in a 2-0 loss on Monday.

The Red Devils were 2-0 down against Newcastle United at Old Trafford and looked capable of scoring more goals before Amorim came on as a 33rd-minute substitute to change his original plans.

MORE: Latest Manchester United news

There was always the risk of dissonance with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte missing through suspensions and Amorim opting for a midfield duo of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro behind Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund.

It was strange to see Kobbie Mainoo on the bench against Newcastle’s fantastic, powerful midfield, and the Magpies scored goals through crosses into the heart of the Red Devils’ backline. Lisandro Martinez had a tough day. Mainoo’s introduction gave United some stability, although they couldn’t find a way past long-time Newcastle keeper – and one-time short-term loanee from Man Utd – Martin Dubravka.

Amorim says this performance was more due to the lack of training time he had to implement his system. That may be true, but things aren’t looking good at the moment.

Reaction from Ruben Amorim (video) – Manchester United boss on relegation battle and changes

What went wrong in the first half: “We conceded a goal. At this moment it’s really hard to come back. We tried, but without the quality they don’t have the basis with our style of play to deal with these moments. They are a better team. They controlled the game. Everything they did was like a team. For us it was more the moments of the players. But they’re trying.”

Whether he could have done anything else besides the Zirkzee/Mainoo substitution in the 33rd minute: “If I think I could do something to change the outcome, then I do it. As I said, it was more about the players’ belief and less about my job to change something. At the moment we don’t have training and we don’t have the base. When you find yourself in a difficult moment, you need this foundation. They were simply better than us.”

How can they fix things? “Training, just using every minute of training to try to improve the team, to give them the basis to handle every minute of the game.”

Whether he will change: “I will continue to pursue my ideas until they have to change the coach. It’s a decision that everyone makes. When I feel like it’s what’s best for my team and my message. We can’t go back. We had four training courses in total. It’s really clear. I am here because of my ideas and I will continue to implement my idea until the end.”

About the relegation battle: “It’s really clear and we have to fight. It is one of the most difficult moments in Manchester United’s history and we have to deal with it honestly.”

Wouldn’t he change at the risk of his job? “Every game I change something tactical. You focus on the three defenders, but I change something every game.”