Manchester United were taken down again in yet another humiliation, as Ruben Amorim stood like Lord Beckett in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise as his plans were wrecked into pieces by Erling Haaland and a far more competent Manchester City side.
It’s just the latest humbling Amorim has suffered as Man United manager, as he was already ousted by lowly Grimsby Town in the League Cup this season. His lone win? Over Burnley two weeks ago.
Manchester United fans are growing frustrated with Amorim’s stubborness, and as the Portuguese manager doubles down on his marriage to the 3-4-3 system and his tactical ideas, even legends of the club are growing vocally frustrated with Erik ten Hag’s even less successful successor.
Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, now a pundit, had some strong words of advice for Amorim after the game and urged him to go to a back four, which has always been the club’s preferred system:
“I think he needs to consider changing things a little bit. Change the system so you get players playing what they know, what they’ve been brought up to play. Go four at the back.”
As much as Amorim has tried to force his tactics, the Manchester United squad has never been suited to his back three. Patrick Dorgu has been useless as a wing back, Diogo Dalot was better in a back four, and Luke Shaw as a third center back proved to be an unmitigated disaster.
If Amorim doesn’t swallow his ego and listen to the fans and legends, he will be out before he knows it.
Joe Soriano is the editor of The Trivela Effect and a FanSided Hall of Famer who has covered world football since 2011. He’s led top digital communities like The Real Champs (Real Madrid) and has contributed to sites covering Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, and Schalke. Joe’s work has appeared in ESPN, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated. He also helped manage NFL Spin Zone and Daily DDT, covering the NFL and pro wrestling, respectively.