Ruben Amorim came under fire for his tactical decisions at Brentford on Saturday as Match of the Day's Micah Richards slammed the Manchester United boss for the number of tactical tweaks he made in the second half. Richards detailed how Amorim repeatedly changed personnel without altering the formation, meaning some players played in several different positions within one half. The Red Devils ultimately went down to a 3-1 defeat, as Amorim's substitutes would make little difference.
Amorim's confusing tactics as Man United lose again
Speaking on Match of the Day, Richards explained how each of Amorim’s five substitutions led to a tactical re-jig, with players changing positions after sometimes just a matter of a few minutes. The former Manchester City defender explained how some players may have been left confused at what Amorim expected them to do in an often-unfamiliar role, as the Red Devils chased the game.
Ultimately, make-shift wing-back Bryan Mbeumo was partially at fault as his former club Brentford broke forward to score a third goal deep in stoppage time. But Richards piled blame on his manager rather than Mbeumo, who had only been playing in the position since the 81st minute following the introductions of Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee, both of whom took short turns in playing in the right-forward role.
The lack of positional continuity reflects the stubbornness of Amorim when it comes to his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, believes Richards, as the Portuguese did not shift from that formation at any stage in the game.
AdvertisementAFPAmorim may find his days numbered at Old Trafford as dire run continues
The defeat ensured that Man United continued a run of never having won two consecutive Premier League games under Amorim. Just 34 points have been collected from 33 league games under the head coach, who has come under increased scrutiny amidst reports that a three-man shortlist has been drawn up for who should be his successor at Old Trafford. Former England manager Gareth Southgate might be an option, with Joe Cole deeming him the “perfect” man for the role.
Victory against Cole’s former employers Chelsea last weekend represented a step forward, but subsequent defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium has placed even more emphasis on the fact that United scored both their goals against the 10 men of the Blues. Against an inspired Brentford side – who were in 17th place heading into the match but now find themselves ahead of the Red Devils on goal difference – Amorim’s side came unstuck, and the Portuguese did not have the tactical ability to change the game.
Amorim looked a forlorn figure on the touchline, head in hands late on as he began to process yet another defeat. The longer that he keeps playing important players out of position and expecting them to do unfamiliar roles, the longer criticism such as that of Richards' will continue to come.
Richards slams Amorim for tactical decisions
Richards said: “[Amorim] has not got the personnel to play how he wants to play. I just want to have a look at how they started. Mainoo and Yoro come on for Maguire and Ugarte on 66 minutes, De Ligt has gone from right to centre, and Mainoo has come on in midfield.
“Now [81st minute], De Ligt’s in the middle, Yoro has gone all the way to the other side. Dalot’s gone into the three at the back, Mbeumo has gone into wing-back and Mount has gone into No.10. Four minutes later, Zirkzee comes on for Dorgu, Mount goes into wing-back and Kirkzee goes into No.10.
“I know as players, we are supposed to be adaptable and flexible. But how are you supposed to adapt to a situation when you’re changing it constantly? And sticking to the same formation. All he had to do was go into a 4-3-3.
“For the goal which they conceded last, it was because Mbeumo is in a position where he doesn’t want to be! Yes, he has played wing-back at Brentford before, but he’s not a defensive player. You need him forward, and all these changes constantly are making it hard for the players to adapt to what he wants to because of so many changes.”
Getty ImagesWhich will change first – formation or manager?
Amorim has stuck up for his formation time and again whenever he has been questioned during his time at Old Trafford. He has even joked that the manager will change before the formation. Unless things on the pitch begin to change soon, that may ultimately become the case.
