Gary Neville questions Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim’s tactical nous
Manchester United remain in the headlines after some disastrous performances of late. The manager, Ruben Amorim, is under tremendous pressure as there is no clarity on his future. The Portuguese coach arrived at the club in November 2024, but he has not brought results to Old Trafford. United fans are becoming frustrated with every defeat, and Amorim’s time is getting reduced.
We reported earlier that Nottingham Forest are not keen to sell Manchester United target Elliot Anderson, highlighting how transfer talk runs in parallel with unrest around the dugout. Right now, the main topic of conversation is not signings but Amorim’s decisions.
Speaking to NBC Sports after United’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford, Gary Neville did not hold back in his assessment. The former captain said he felt “really, really worried” about the direction of the team, and called out Amorim’s tactical calls as unacceptable.
Gary Neville questions Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim's tactical nous.
Gary Neville slams Ruben Amorim
Neville argued that Ruben Amorim showed poor judgment by using Mason Mount at left wing-back twice in a week. He insisted those choices made the manager “look pretty stupid.” The Englishman also criticised the constant switches between a back three and a back five. He stated that it unsettled performances and results. Neville’s words reflect a wider concern that Amorim’s ideas are failing to translate into consistent football at Old Trafford.
“I’m very worried, there’s no point in me sitting here and saying that I’m not. I think the levels of performance, the results, the substitutions. Yesterday (against Brentford), I saw something at the end of the Grimsby game that they lost in the Carabao Cup a couple of weeks ago, which was Mason Mount ending up at left-wing-back.
“We admire managers who are resilient, who are, if you like, stubborn around their system. We want them to stick to the plan. But, when you’ve got Mason Mount playing at left-back, you’re going to look pretty stupid. That’s happened twice now. It can’t happen. The first time, I thought, was unforgivable and yesterday it happened again. He changes his back three and back five every single game and the performances and results are just unacceptable. I’m really, really worried.”
Why Change Appears Necessary at Old Trafford?
We can see a lot of tactical problems after United’s defeat against Brentford. The manager stated that the team tried out playing with long balls and second balls which did not bore fruit. They actually benefitted Brentford, and did not play according to their strengths. We reported earlier that Ruben Amorim is racking up all the wrong numbers at Manchester United; Brentford’s loss opens Pandora’s box, and the evidence points towards a manager under growing strain. The Red Devils still can not win consecutive matches as they have 17 defeats in 33 Premier League matches under the Portuguese manager.
A closer look at Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system shows why results have been inconsistent. ESPN noted that the formation relies heavily on elite wingbacks and tireless midfielders. United currently lack quality and depth in these areas. This exposes the team at the back and attackers become isolated up front. There are definite solutions, but they need flexibility.
A switch to a 4-3-3 could strengthen defensive stability and bring more control in midfield, while giving space for players like Bruno Fernandes to link closer with the striker. If United integrate Kobbie Mainoo, then they could also add energy and composure alongside Casemiro, who has been left vulnerable by the current setup.
Defensively, the team must communicate better to stop giving away goals from basic errors and aerial battles. In attack, United need more support around the striker to prevent isolation. With Sunderland and Liverpool next, Amorim faces a pivotal stretch. Tactical tweaks may decide not just results but his own future at the club.