SAME SAD SONG SAYS SO MUCH

MATTHIJS de Ligt believes Manchester United's players must take responsibility amid speculation about Ruben Amorim's future.

- BY STEVE RAILSTON

At Brentford, United squandered an opportunity for Amorim to win back-to-back league games for the first time in his tenure.

Last weekend's victory against Chelsea improved the mood at Old Trafford, but United were unable to build on that result in west London.

Amorim (left) has won just 34 points from a possible 99 in the top flight since taking charge and the Brentford defeat will increase the pressure on his shoulders.

Sources confirmed Amorim retained the backing of the board after the defeat by Grimsby in the Carabao Cup last month, but setbacks against Manchester City and the Bees have followed.

Dutchman De Ligt was not included in the leadership group that was formed in the summer, but he is understood to have taken on a leadership role in the dressing room regardless.

On the Brentford defeat, he said: "All week we were speaking about keeping the momentum going, getting another win under our belt and yeah, if you lose this game, it's a big blow obviously.