Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim has done the most to sound alarm bells over Manchester United’s defensive ability. He is particularly concerned with their performance on their own defensive third. Following a stretch of underwhelming showings, capped off by Sunday’s bad 1-0 loss at Everton, Amorim was fierce. Shortly after the game we’d just witnessed, he labelled Manchester United “soft” in their box defending. As the challenge mounted and victories proved elusive, the frustration quickly set in. Fans are particularly enraged considering their recently abysmal league performance.
Early on in their recent game with Everton, Manchester United broke into a precarious position. Despite battling bravely with only ten players on the field, the Americans eventually allowed a goal. This game only compounded what has otherwise been a frustrating season for the team. In fact, it was their first league win ever in the month of November. With the squad’s defensive issues on full display, United managed only one shot on target throughout the entire match, further emphasizing their struggles in both attack and defense.
Amorim was keen to stress that his players are well versed in the high stakes that come with being in their position. They are hell bent on reaching the next World Cup. He reiterated the importance of his work not being about any one person. Rather than focus on any individual accolades, though, he emphasizes the team-wide collaboration of his players. “We have some results of not letting a lot of teams in the final third, but we are being really soft near the box so we need to improve that,” he stated.
Going forward, Manchester United have given up an equally maddening statistic this season, having both scored and conceded 19 goals. Such parity only goes to underscore a deeply concerning lack of defensive solidity on display that Amorim will know needs urgent redress and fast. The manager was brutally honest in his criticism of his squad’s display against Nottingham Forest just under a week ago. To concede two goals just two minutes after halftime was simply inexcusable.
Amorim sees that pressure as little time is given at Manchester United to build cohesion and win matches. He explained his concerns over the team’s recent performance. Chief executive Richard Arnold added: “It’s very important to win. It’s not enough being at United and not winning – the patience is wearing thin.” That’s why I’m frustrated all the time. We realize we need as much time, but there’s no time under the allows do whatever it takes to not only win games.
The manager pointed out that other teams, such as Crystal Palace, demonstrate strength in duels and resilience when defending, qualities he believes Manchester United must emulate. He acknowledged the need for a lot of work here to be more competitive and more scary.
In terms of tactical decisions, Amorim made a notable choice by introducing young player Kobbie Mainoo during the Everton match. On Mainoo, he said that his skills in and around the box are “out of this world.” Those skills might have been indispensable in moving the needle of this competition towards victory. Amorim suggested after the Second Leg that he would keep using Mainoo as long as he thinks it gives them the best chance to win.
Just as Manchester United struggles amid perplexing new struggles, Amorim’s comments would highlight an important time for the club in waiting. The integration of young talent and a renewed focus on defensive solidity are essential as they strive to rectify their current trajectory and aim for better results in the league.
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