The pitchforks are out for Ruben Amorim after Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat and while some may be a bit extreme, his treatment of one player was confusing, to say the least.
Man Utd’s 1-0 loss to Spurs wasn’t the fault of one particular individual, although Bruno Fernandes struggled badly, and so did Andre Onana.
However, it was a systemic issue, with Spurs knowing that United can’t break down deep defences so they happily let them have the ball in a toothless manner.
Amorim’s subs caught heat after the game, especially the whole situation with Alejandro Garnacho, but the Argentine at least played 20 minutes.
One player termed ‘untouchable’ by Paul Scholes earlier this season was ignored completely.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim ignores Manuel Ugarte
On paper, it doesn’t seem like ignoring Manuel Ugarte in a final where United lacked attacking edge is the most confusing thing to do but it goes deeper than that.
Fernandes struggled immensely in a deeper role so he needed to be closer to the goal where he could be more threatening.
With Amorim not seeing Kobbie Mainoo as an option for the deeper role anymore, the stage was set for Ugarte to inject some combativeness into the game.
More United News
It would have allowed Casemiro to fly forward as well as Spurs were happy to overload the middle with bodies, funneling United’s attacks out wide and away from the goal.
Instead, Mason Mount was kept on the pitch for far too long and when the change was made, Garnacho came on, whose biggest strength is running into space.
Only problem was that there was no space to run into because Spurs were sitting deep and protecting their lead.
Garnacho still did well in 20 minutes but Amorim completely ignoring Ugarte was difficult to understand in the context of the game.
Manuel Ugarte’s confusing season
Ugarte’s complete omission from the Europa League playing XI and active subs sums up a confusing season of extreme highs and the lowest of lows.
From barely getting a sniff under Erik ten Hag to becoming indispensable for Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ugarte was expected to become a key cog for Amorim, who managed him at Sporting.
That did look to be the case in the early days, with Ugarte’s form earning him ‘untouchable’ status with Scholes after some brilliant performances.
However, it all went a step backward again as the final inched closer, combined with Casemiro’s resurgence in a deeper role.
Still, playing Fernandes away from the goal didn’t make much sense in the final when his line-breaking passing was needed closer to the goal.
That should have made way for Ugarte to start alongside Casemiro to combat the industriousness of Sarr, Bissouma, and Bentancur.
Instead, a player who was expected to be the first name on the teamsheet under Amorim didn’t get a single minute in the club’s biggest game of the season.