Ruben Amorim told to scrap new Man Utd system with players ‘getting worse’ and team hurtling towards relegation
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim should change his three-at-the-back system, claims Alan Shearer.
The Portuguese boss, 39, has had a difficult start to life at Old Trafford.
Following Monday night’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle, Amorim admitted that relegation is “a possibility”.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Rest is Football, Match of the Day host Gary Lineker called the defeat embarrassing – while he also questioned Amorim’s decision to play veterans Casemiro and Christian Eriksen together in a midfield duo within his 3-4-3.
Responding, Shearer asked: “How long does he go on persisting with his system?
“Because clearly his players, the players he has got in that squad, can’t play the way he wants them to play. How long does he persist with it?”
Fellow pundit Micah Richards responded: “As long as he can? I don’t think he changes his ways whatsoever, because then he’s admitted defeat.”
Shearer hit back: “Really? When you say ‘admit defeat’, is it not to say ‘Well okay, I’ve tried that way, my players can’t play that way so I have to change for the benefit of the team’?”
Richards responded: “It’s not like Man Utd were great three years ago and then Ten Hag came in and they were really bad, and he’s trying to… they’ve not played well for years and they’ve tried every formation possible.
“So if you’re a manager, you’re not going to then doubt yourself and go into a different system, a system that you don’t know.
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“I think this is just one that is going to take a lot of time. Obviously the players are not good enough to fit into his ideas at this moment in time. But if he starts changing now…”
After Shearer cut in saying “they’re getting worse Micah”, Richards went on: “I think sometimes you have to get worse before you go forward, they’ve tried everything else.”
Shearer went on to add of Amorim: “I bet he thinks ‘What on Earth have I walked into?’ Both on and off the pitch.”
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher broadly agrees with Richards’ assessment.
He wrote on social media: “Ruben Amorim needs to get results, as we have seen big jobs getaway from young managers in the past, eg Graham Potter at Chelsea.
“But he can’t change his whole idea of 3/4/3 otherwise what was the point in bringing him in?”
‘A BIT EMBARRASSING’
Quizzed if talk of a relegation battle is “embarrassing”, Amorim said on Monday: “It is also my fault.
“The team is not improving. It is a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games.
“I think people are tired of excuses at this club. This club needs a shock.”
Marcus Rashford returned to the matchday squad for the Newcastle match, after being frozen out for four games.
But even with United needing a goal, Amorim elected not to bring on the forward.
The Red Devils, who sit 14th in the Prem table, are next in action on Sunday when they face a daunting trip to leaders Liverpool.
Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright spark
KOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.
Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…
Andre Onana – 5
Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.
Noussair Mazraouri – 4
The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.
But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.
Harry Maguire – 4
Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.
Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.
Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.
Casemiro – 3
Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.
Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.
Christian Eriksen – 4
Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.
He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.
Amad Diallo – 4
A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.
Joshua Zirkzee – 2
Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6
Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.
Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.
Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6
Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.
Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4
Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.
Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5
Not enough time to influence the match.