Ruben Amorim has strongly defended his tactical approach at Manchester United after facing mounting criticism from fans and former players who believe the team has become overly conservative. The United head coach insists that statistics clearly show his side is among the most attack-minded teams in the Premier League, despite frustration growing around recent performances and in-game decisions.
Advertisements
Amorim has found himself under scrutiny following a run of underwhelming home results, with United winning just once in their last five outings at Old Trafford. The pressure intensified after a disappointing 1-1 draw against a struggling Wolves side, a result that saw the Red Devils miss the opportunity to leapfrog Chelsea into fifth place.
Amorim dismisses claims of overly cautious tactics
Criticism of Amorim has not been limited to supporters. Club legends Gary Neville and Paul Scholes have both questioned his substitutions and overall approach, particularly after the coach opted to introduce defensive players rather than additional attackers during recent fixtures against Newcastle and Wolves. Those decisions were met with boos from sections of the Old Trafford crowd, further highlighting growing unrest.
Scholes has suggested that Amorim’s approach strays from United’s long-standing attacking traditions, while Neville has repeatedly challenged the coach’s risk management during matches. However, Amorim has rejected those claims outright, pointing to data that he believes tells a very different story.
United currently boasts the third-highest goal tally in the Premier League, behind only Manchester City and Arsenal, and leads the division in total shots. Even more telling, captain Bruno Fernandes remains the league’s top chance creator despite missing the last three matches through injury.
‘We create and score more than most teams.’
Speaking to reporters, Amorim made it clear that he believes United’s attacking output compares favourably with almost every team in the league.
Advertisements
“The first thing is that we are creating and scoring more than most teams,” he said. “That’s a fact. I understand this team better than anyone, and sometimes supporters question your decisions. You have to do what you believe is right.”
The Portuguese coach explained that his substitutions are often driven by what he sees unfolding on the pitch rather than external expectations. Fatigue, individual match-ups, and game management all factor into his thinking.
“When I look at the pitch, I know which players are tired and who might struggle in constant one-versus-one situations,” Amorim added. “I try to protect the team and give us the best chance to win. Sometimes the substitution works, sometimes it doesn’t. But I always act with the intention of helping the team.”
Amorim reiterated that United’s attacking identity has shifted significantly compared to last season, arguing that creativity and volume in front of goal have improved noticeably.
“If there’s one thing that is completely different from last year, it’s how we attack,” he said. “We create a lot, we have more shots than anyone. What we need to improve is how we defend.”
Injuries and absences disrupt attacking rhythm
While unwilling to use injuries as an excuse, Amorim admitted that the timing of certain absences has made life more difficult in recent weeks. Bruno Fernandes’ longest injury spell since joining the club coincided with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo being away at the Africa Cup of Nations — a combination the coach described as particularly unfortunate.
“It sounds like an excuse, and I don’t like to talk about it,” Amorim explained. “But it was bad luck to lose Amad, Bryan, and Bruno at the same time. Those three players provide most of our creativity.”
He also highlighted their importance from set pieces, noting that Fernandes, Diallo, and Mbeumo are the primary dead-ball specialists within the squad.
“If you lose all three at once, any team in the world will struggle,” he said. “Now Mount is also out. It’s important to understand why we’ve lacked quality and creativity in the last few games. The data makes it clear.”
Amorim calls for defensive improvement
While satisfied with United’s attacking progress, Amorim was candid in his assessment of their defensive shortcomings. He believes individual lapses, rather than systemic flaws or a lack of spending, have prevented the team from climbing higher in the table.
United invested heavily in attacking reinforcements over the summer, spending £208 million on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko. Amorim argued that the squad already has enough quality to defend more effectively without further additions.
“We can defend better with the players we have,” he said. “Conceding goals like the one we allowed just before half-time against Wolves changes the entire dynamic of a game. That’s about urgency and concentration.”
He stressed that defensive responsibility extends beyond the back line and holding midfielders.
“It’s not just about defenders,” Amorim added. “It’s about defending as a team. I know we can improve in that area without any extra investment.”
Manchester United now turns its attention to a short trip to face Leeds, who arrive unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches. With pressure continuing to build, Amorim will be eager for his side to convert attacking promise into consistent results.
Advertisements