The Man Utd talking points as they lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the Premier League on Friday night.
Ruben Amorim hinted he would name a strong Manchester United side against Chelsea on Friday night, though it was still a surprise to see just how strong he went. Amorim made five changes to his line up, with Andre Onana back in goal and Casemiro selected alongside Bruno Fernandes in central midfield.
The United head coach was mindful he had to manage match fitness ahead of the Europa League final and that he couldn’t afford any of his players to go into the match undercooked. It might have been a controversial decision among some supporters, but there was understandable logic to it as well.
A strong selection is never a problem if there are no fresh injury issues, and United got through the night unscathed against a team pushing for Champions League qualification. This defeat won’t matter if they join them in Europe next season.
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Amorim anguish at build-up play
One of the many privileges of watching a match from the Stamford Bridge press box is the close-up view it gives you of the action and the coaching staff. Our seats were just a few metres away from Ruben Amorim, and they offered a unique insight into the animated approach he adopts on the touchline.
The Portuguese head coach was constantly providing advice and instruction to his players, telling Harry Maguire to be mindful of his positioning alongside Victor Lindelof and urging Rasmus Hojlund to persist with his pressing, even when it felt like a thankless task at times.
Perhaps the most interesting observation, though, was the anguish and frustration that crossed Amorim’s face countless times when it came to defensive distribution. Whether it was Andre Onana playing a pass short when the head coach wanted the ball sent long, or a player turning back to play a safe pass when he wanted them to be more progressive with their build-up play. It was another reminder that Amorim inherited a team that is not suited to his style of play and that he needs a full pre-season with the squad before he can be fairly judged in the role.
Fernandes reaction to Hojlund
Manchester United are in an uncomfortable position with Rasmus Hojlund. He is their only available senior striker, but it is clear he is still not ready for the pressure and scrutiny of the role. Had he cost the £30 million it would cost to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town this summer, it would not be so much of an issue. The trouble is he cost £72 million instead.
Hojlund started well at Chelsea with a strong piece of hold-up play against the Chelsea defence, but was soon brought back down to earth with a physical barge that killed his confidence. The 22-year-old regressed into his shell, and it enraged club captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Danish striker not only lacked the physicality required of him, but his decision-making was dire too. After he played a pass short to Fernandes, he was rebuked by the captain during a stoppage in play, and later fumed at the forward when he failed to make a run as a move came to a frustrating dead end. Fernandes lost patience with Hojlund at Stamford Bridge, but United supporters lost patience with him a long time ago.
Grim reading
Manchester United’s trip to Chelsea was never going to define their season, but their next match will. Ruben Amorim would ideally have prepared for the Europa League final with three points, though the match sharpness his players gained should put them in good stead to face one of the few Premier League teams that are worse than them.
United have now lost 18 matches in the top-flight this season, have failed to score in 15 of those matches, and have gone eight consecutive league matches without a win for the first time since January 1990. All that despair could soon be forgotten, albeit temporarily, if they win in Bilbao next week.
Amorim’s side was cheered on by incredible away support at Stamford Bridge, and many of them will make their way to the Basque Country, in the hope for a positive end to a sorry season.
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