Ruben Amorim is the main reason that Man United is going through this rough patch. The root cause of the problem Man United is facing could have been fixed by him when he freshly joined as the manager but he decided to ignore” – This is according to Jamie Carragher as he points out the single ‘MAJOR error’ Ruben Amorim has committed as Manchester United manager following the derby triumph, which has placed the team in a ‘difficult spot.’ Amorim really made a big mistake 😳💔 Hopefully we can fix this issue soon 😳💔
Jamie Carragher has highlighted what he believes to be Ruben Amorim’s most significant error since becoming Manchester United’s manager.
Amorim, previously celebrated as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches for his achievements at Sporting Lisbon, took over at United in November following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. The 39-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with an optional 12-month extension, tasked with reviving United’s season after a dismal start that saw them win just three of their first nine Premier League matches.
His tenure began unevenly, featuring a draw with Ipswich, a victory over Everton, and consecutive losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. A temporary upswing came with a thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Manchester City, powered by goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
However, Carragher pinpointed a crucial misstep that followed this victory. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Liverpool defender criticized Amorim’s decision to heavily rotate the squad for the EFL Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur, which he believes undermined the team’s momentum.
“The biggest mistake was the team selection against Spurs,” Carragher said. “It wasn’t just about it being a cup game; it was about the momentum after beating Manchester City. You needed to keep that going.”
Amorim made five changes to the side that triumphed over City, a gamble that backfired in a chaotic 4-3 defeat to Tottenham. Despite a spirited effort to recover from a 3-0 deficit, individual errors proved costly, and United’s momentum was derailed.
Carragher elaborated: “The City win created a massive buzz—defeating Pep Guardiola and their biggest rivals. Making so many changes for the Tottenham game disrupted that. Now, they’ve lost three league games in a row, and the situation looks dire.”
Since the cup exit, United’s Premier League form has deteriorated further, with three straight defeats leaving them 14th in the standings ahead of their clash with Newcastle. Carragher’s analysis underscores the delicate balance of maintaining consistency and momentum, especially for a manager newly installed in a high-pressure role.
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Key Takeaways from Carragher’s Analysis
1. Momentum Disrupted:
– The 2-1 win over Manchester City was a turning point that could have revitalized United’s season.
– Rotating five players for the Tottenham match disrupted the rhythm and confidence gained from the derby victory.
2. Consequences of Rotation:
– The chaotic 4-3 loss to Spurs not only ended their EFL Cup campaign but also negatively impacted morale.
– Defensive errors highlighted the risks of changing a winning lineup.
3. Declining League Form:
– Following the Spurs defeat, United suffered three consecutive league losses, pushing them further down the table.
– Consistency in team selection might have helped avoid this downward spiral.
4. Strategic Misjudgment:
– Carragher stressed the importance of capitalizing on momentum after a landmark victory, especially for a team struggling to find its footing.
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Challenges Ahead for Ruben Amorim
1. Balancing Rotation and Stability:
Amorim may have rotated players due to fixture congestion or fatigue concerns, but finding the right balance will be crucial moving forward.
2. Restoring Confidence:
The team needs to rebuild its self-belief after a series of poor results. Key players like Fernandes and Rashford will be vital in this effort.
3. Meeting High Expectations:
Managing Manchester United comes with immense scrutiny, and Amorim must deliver results quickly to win over fans and critics alike.
4. Fixing Defensive Issues:
Defensive lapses and individual mistakes have been recurring problems that require immediate attention.
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Looking Forward
Amorim’s ability to turn things around will depend on stabilizing performances and navigating the upcoming fixtures, starting with Newcastle. Rebuilding momentum and addressing tactical shortcomings will be essential if he hopes to salvage United’s season and meet the expecta
tions that come with managing one of football’s biggest clubs.