In a match where Manchester United’s tactical choices left many scratching their heads, manager Ruben Amorim is coming under fire once more following a disheartening 3-1 defeat to Brentford. The loss, which marks the Red Devils’ 21st defeat in 49 games under the Portuguese manager, highlighted alarming decision-making that has been widely criticised by fans and pundits alike.
Newcastle United legend, Alan Shearer, did not mince his words, expressing bewilderment at Amorim’s persistence with a 3-4-2-1 formation that seems to falter consistently. Shearer, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, questioned the logic behind Amorim’s myriad of positional changes during the match, remarking, “What on earth is happening here? It’s incredible.”
The tactical chaos was evident as Brentford cruised to a two-goal lead. Although Benjamin Sesko provided a glimmer of hope by halving the deficit, United’s fortunes dwindled further as Bruno Fernandes saw his penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher before Mathias Jensen sealed the victory for Brentford. Amorim’s insistence on his preferred formation, coupled with numerous player shifts, sparked Shearer’s criticism. Commenting on the situation, Shearer mentioned Micah Richards’ criticism on Match of the Day about Amorim’s curious substitutions and positional swaps.
Gary Lineker also chimed in, echoing concerns over Amorim’s methods, suggesting that such drastic in-game alterations could only result in confusion among the players. The pressure is undoubtedly mounting on Amorim, who is now the front-runner to be the next Premier League manager shown the exit, with reports suggesting the board at Old Trafford is actively considering replacements. Names like Xavi Hernandez and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner have surfaced, with both managers seen as viable candidates to steer United back on course.
Only time will tell if Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United will endure, but with increasingly discontented murmurs from the stands and among pundits, a managerial change seems imminent. As fans yearn for stability and success, the clamour for a tactical overhaul at Old Trafford grows louder.
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