Ruben Amorim has insisted that Manchester United must operate as a club of “no excuses,” acknowledging the relentless expectations for success at Old Trafford.

The English giants endured a difficult first season under the Portuguese manager and started the current campaign inconsistently, before briefly hitting form with three consecutive victories.

However, United’s momentum stalled with late 2-2 draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, where the team squandered leads in both matches. Monday’s 1-0 home defeat to 10-man Everton added further pressure, leaving the club below expectations ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, who currently sit sixth—four places above United.

“In our club, it’s the same thing because last year we had to win every game all the time,” Amorim said when asked if this was the type of match United should be winning.

“We faced a lot of criticism because we were not winning, so in our club, there are no excuses. I said the same thing last year when we were in Europe, and I said the same thing this year. There are advantages and disadvantages to not being in Europe, but there are no excuses. Last year or this year, we have always had to win games.”

Reflecting on United’s current 10th-place standing, Amorim added: “If I look at the games, we should have more points. We had control in some matches, advantages in others, and we lost that control. So, when I review our performances, it’s disappointing and frustrating, especially after the last game.”

United will be without Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Harry Maguire for the London trip.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have made significant progress under Oliver Glasner, who led the club to a historic FA Cup triumph in May and previously faced Amorim in the Champions League with Eintracht Frankfurt.

“I played against him in Frankfurt with Sporting, so I know his style of play,” Amorim said. “I take inspiration from everyone. During international breaks, I watch other managers and try to absorb as much as I can. I have six years as a professional manager, and I’m always trying to learn and improve my team.”