• Coach wondered if it was ‘meant to be’ at United

• ‘To lose so many games, that was so hard for me’

Ruben Amorim has indicated that the Europa League final defeat by Tottenham was among the moments that made him fear he would not last a year at Manchester United.

The head coach admitted he has wondered more than once whether it was “meant to be” for him in the job he was appointed to a year ago on Saturday. He has lost 19 of his 52 games since signing a two-and-a-half-year contract and last season took United to 15th, their lowest Premier League finish. The Portuguese was asked whether he had worried about completing 12 months in charge.

• League says issues rooted in more European matches

• It promises increased Boxing Day games next year

The Premier League has confirmed there will be only one Premier League game on Boxing Day, with Manchester United to host Newcastle United at 8pm. The late kick-off may cause travel issues for Newcastle fans, with public transport limited on the holiday.

The league cited the expansion of European competition in explaining its schedule. The last time Boxing Day was a Friday, in 2014, there was a full top-flight programme.