The 40-year-old head coach argued the Red Devils “deserved more” after two wonder goals from Villa winger Morgan Rogers, 23, overturned Matheus Cunha’s, 26, opener and ended United’s four-game unbeaten run - leaving them seventh in the Premier League.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game on Sunday (21.12.25), Amorim said: “I think everybody saw that we were the better team today, we were unlucky.
“Even with the injury of Bruno [Fernandes], during the game even without Bruno we were the better team.”
United enjoyed more shots, more efforts on target and slightly higher expected goals than Unai Emery’s side, but were punished by moments of quality from Rogers, whose strikes handed Villa just their second home league win over United in 30 years.
The result dented momentum for Amorim, who has spoken repeatedly about prioritising performances alongside results during his early months in charge.
He said: “The transitions, one against one the whole time, so I think we did a very good job that no one is going to remember tomorrow because what matters is the result.”
United’s evening was further complicated when captain Bruno Fernandes, 31 was forced off at half-time with a soft-tissue injury.
The midfielder joins an already lengthy absence list that includes midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 20, and centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, 26, while Bryan Mbeumo, also 26, Amad Diallo, 23, and Noussair Mazraoui, 28, are also unavailable due to Africa Cup of Nations commitments.
Amorim said: “We knew that Aston Villa play with everybody inside, and we needed to overload that situation. We have been working, training like that, so different options.”
Despite the defeat, Amorim pointed to tactical progress and squad flexibility, stressing that United are improving even amid disruption.
Amorim has not been afraid to lean on youth, handing senior debuts to midfielder Jack Fletcher, 18, and wide player Shea Lacey, also 18, at Villa Park, while defender Ayden Heaven, 19, continues to feature regularly.
He said: “We can use different starting 11s for any game, so I think we are improving. Again, I think we deserved so, so much more today.”
Looking ahead, Amorim faces the challenge of navigating a congested fixture list without several key players, although upcoming league games against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley and Leeds United offer an opportunity to stabilise results.
The manager also dismissed suggestions that United’s injury problems would lead to panic in the January transfer window.
He said: “What we cannot do is reach January and try to do everything in urgency and make mistakes.
“We have a plan. If we have to suffer, the club comes first. No excuses. We need to win the next game.”
