Ruben Amorim outlines the importance of defending set-pieces properly after Manchester United’s loss to Arsenal
As Manchester United’s new season begins, old pains have been revived. Last year proved to be extremely difficult for the club, as the team finished 15th in the Premier League and was eliminated from European competitions this season. Not only this, Tottenham Hotspur defeated United in the Europa League final and the last hope was also shattered.
Now a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at the start of the new season has made the atmosphere even more disappointing. United looked lively in the early glimpses of the game, but a big mistake by Altay Bayindir ruined everything. Riccardo Calafiori’s header deepened the team’s troubles. After this, Benjamin Sesko was brought on the field, but the equaliser could not be found. Bryan Mbeumo’s two attempts failed, and the team remained empty-handed with a defeat to Arsenal.
Amorim’s focus on set-pieces and United’s problem
Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim said in a press conference ahead of the next match against Fulham that the team analyses the opponent’s moves as usual and will use the same setup to defend the goal in set-pieces. He stressed that there is no intention to change the approach just because of the mistake against Arsenal. Amorim believes that United must enter the field with the same plan and try to stop the opponent with the same weapon. (Via MEN Live Blog). The manager also praised the team earlier in his post-match press conference after the defeat against the Gunners.
Ruben Amorim talked about the importance of defending set-pieces properly after Manchester United conceded a goal in a set-piece against Arsenal.
“We need to try to analyse the opponent and put the best set-up to protect the goal in set-pieces. We do it all the time and will not change because of the last goal. We need to do the same thing to the opponent”
Still, the concern for United fans is that since last year, the team’s biggest weakness have been the set-piece. Whether it is corners or free-kicks, the defence seem to collapse again and again. The goal against Arsenal was another example of this problem, where Bayindir’s miscalculation and the defenders’ slow reaction gave the opponent the lead. This is not the first time this has happened.
The team looked similarly lax in matches against Tottenham, Newcastle United and many others. Amorim may express confidence in his system, but the question arises whether this stubbornness will only cause more problems for the team in the future. If opponents like Fulham also target this weakness, then the situation may worsen for United. Therefore, this statement of Amorim definitely seems confident, but the reality is that the team desperately need a practical change.
Opinion:
Amorim’s way of analysing opponents and maintaining the same strategy reflects his coaching style. It shows faith in the system, but the result against Arsenal make it clear that there are many loopholes in this strategy. Repeatedly making the same mistakes break the team’s morale and give the opponents an edge.
We think Amorim’s statements sometimes seem more like stubbornness than confidence. A team that finished 15th last year should have the courage to change, not stick to the old ways. Against Fulham, United will need better marking at set-pieces, clearer responsibility for the goalkeeper and more cohesion in defence. Small changes can make all the difference. If Amorim really wants to change the club’s fortunes, he will have to bring some flexibility to his tactics. Otherwise, this season will start to look like the same story as last year. In other news, Manchester United flop Antony is keen to push for a move to Real Betis.