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'Cannot run away'- Ruben Amorim reflects on criticism from former Manchester United stars
Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

Ruben Amorim responds to criticism from former Manchester United players ahead of Sunderland clash

Manchester United are under pressure again, and Ruben Amorim knows the scrutiny is growing. With the club sitting 14th in the Premier League table and an early Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town still fresh in the minds of fans, questions continue to pour in from ex-players worried about the direction of the side. The likes of Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville have not shied away from expressing doubts and have pointed out flaws that they believe have become too obvious to ignore.

Ahead of United’s meeting with Sunderland at Old Trafford, Amorim addressed those criticisms in his press conference. He admitted that he can’t brush aside the results and accepted that the weight of last season is still fresh.

Yet he strongly defended his tactical system and insisted that defeats to Arsenal, Manchester City, and Brentford were not simply the result of his 3-4-3 formation. The 40-year-old argued lapses in concentration, missed chances, and errors mattered more than his team’s framework. Amorim said the most important thing is not to blame the shape alone but to accept that results rarely come down to formation.

“It’s normal, we cannot run away from the results. And then you have the baggage from last season. Last season doesn’t matter to me, in relation to the system we have already spoken about that. We had six games this season, and we have lost three. And if we lost against Arsenal because of the system? 

“It’s your job to make the opinions. When you saw the game against City, was the first thing that you thought when the game started, the system? I don’t think you thought about the system in that moment. And Brentford. The way we concede goals, create chances, that has nothing to do with the system, that is my opinion. 

“I’m not saying this team will do better in a different system, that’s not my point. My point is, if I look at the games we didn’t win, the most important thing when I watched the game is not that we lost because of the system. That is my opinion, then people have different opinions and that’s ok.”

Via: Manchester Evening News

Can Amorim adjust and turn results around?

There is substance to the criticism that Amorim is getting due to the current situation of Manchester United. The club has lost half of the opening six matches of the ongoing season in the Premier League, and the fans are restless with such performances. Critics highlight Amorim’s steadfast commitment to a 3-4-3. The squad lacks the balance to make it work in the Premier League. Sky Sports noted that in the 3-1 loss to Brentford, the system left spaces in midfield and failed to create the attacking pressure expected from United.

Still, Amorim has not dismissed the idea of adjustments. He recognises that tactical flexibility could prove decisive and that giving more responsibility to players like Kobbie Mainoo might help secure greater control in the centre of the pitch. Improving wide play through sharper rotations and service into the box could also bring more fluidity to United’s attacks. He knows bold choices are necessary to restore confidence.

With United linked to moves such as a bargain deal for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and even exploring Cesc Fàbregas as a surprise managerial option, the pressure on Amorim will only intensify. His willingness to adapt, make brave calls, and deliver results will decide whether the criticism fades or becomes the tipping point in his tenure.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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