Lisandro Martinez’s post-match comments following Manchester United’s dismal 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth were quite the head-scratcher.

Ruben Amorim's side were brushed aside by the Cherries at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon to land themselves in the bottom half of the Premier League table at Christmas for the first time since the 1989-90 season. Dean Huijsen opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half from a set piece, before Justin Kluivert added a second from the penalty spot just after the hour mark.

Antoine Semenyo then made it three late on to complete a repeat of the 3-0 loss United suffered against the same opposition in December last year. United now sit 13th in the Premier League standings with just six wins from their 17 league games so far.

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Martinez, speaking to BBC Match of the Day post-match, said: "I always say in this kind of situation we have to show personality and character. We are playing so well and unfortunately, we couldn't score today.

"We have to believe. At this club, we have to win every game and we know that."

It's the "we are playing so well" line that is arguably the most striking. On balance, it is worth noting the 26-year-old did acknowledge they have a lot to improve and he refused to point fingers for the loss at any one person, but the suggestion United are in a good run of form could not be more out of touch.

United have now conceded 17 goals in their nine games under Amorim across all competitions. They have won just four of those matches, and only one of them comfortably when they triumphed against Everton 4-0 at the beginning of the month.

The comeback win over bitter rivals Manchester City last week offered a glimmer of hope, but can be treated in isolation given the abysmal form Pep Guardiola's side currently find themselves in. United's moments of promise feel more like the exception rather than the norm at this stage.

Against Bournemouth, United's defensive frailties were on full display, while their seven attempts on target yielded no reward. To suggest the team are playing well risks alienating fans who rightfully expect much better.

This is not to dismiss the challenges Amorim faces as he attempts to rebuild a club that has been drifting below the standard for so many years. His appointment rightfully brought a wave of optimism at the club and it will take a long time for his vision to truly take shape.

However, the reality is that United remain a million miles away from being a competitive force in England. For now, their form remains a major concern and fans will hope that performances on the pitch begin to match Martinez's rhetoric off it.