Manchester United legend Gary Neville has told Ruben Amorim what he must change to solve his biggest issues.
Over the summer, Ruben Amorim said he wants to be at Manchester United for the next 20 years, but for now, it’s hard to see past his next game in charge.
A penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby piled more misery onto a poor start to the 2025/26 season. The Red Devils have failed to win any of their first three games.
Amorim’s scathing assessment of his players after the Carabao Cup defeat has fuelled speculation over whether he will resign, but it seems likely that he will have one final chance to turn things around against Burnley on the weekend.
Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP before the start of the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Casa Pia AC and Sporting CP at Estadio Municipal de Rio Maior on August 18, 2023
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Gary Neville tells Ruben Amorim what to change at Man United
Amorim has stubbornly stuck to his tactics at United, for better or worse, and that has attracted plenty of criticism from pundits and fans.
The Portuguese head coach is determined to make his 3-4-2-1 system work at Old Trafford, but results have not gone his way.
Speaking on The Overlap, United legend Gary Neville was asked the one piece of advice he would give to Amorim.
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“If you asked me what my one bit of advice would be, it would have to be sort your midfield out,” Neville said.
“Because you can’t have that midfield. They were actually quite good when the front three and the back five were very compact and the two in midfield are tight together.
“Once it gets a bit spread, and Fulham got that, he then put Mount and Fernandes in there and the game opened up.
“Then he had to take Mount off and he put Ugarte in there. Before you know it, you’ve had three central midfield partnerships, you’ve had your back three changed. You’re changing a lot every game.”
Ruben Amorim has two conundrums to solve at Man United
Amorim refused to watch United’s shootout, as he looked dejected and stunned on the touchline. He must be scratching his head at why things refuse to go his way.
Ultimately, United have been made to pay for individual errors in all three games so far. Andre Onana’s performance was unforgivable against Grimsby, and it follows on from mistakes made by his No.2 Altay Bayindir.
Fixing the goalkeeper issue must be the top priority. United are in advanced talks for Senne Lammens, and the £17m shot-stopper cannot arrive soon enough.
The other urgent issue is Amorim’s midfield dilemma.
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Bruno Fernandes impressed after coming off the bench against Grimsby, but it has been hard to identify his ideal partner. Kobbie Mainoo has been competing with his captain for a spot, but perhaps the two of them combined is Amorim’s best option.
Fans have been calling for midfield changes all season, with supporters desperate to see Mainoo given more time on the pitch amid reports that he is open to leaving.
Either way, Amorim has one last throw of the dice to try and keep his job secure before the international break. All eyes will be on his goalkeeper and midfield decisions made against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.