It was another night to forget for Manchester United at Old Trafford, failing to beat a poor West Ham side, dropping points from a losing position once again, much to the frustration of fans.
Everything was going to plan as Manchester United really grew into the game, getting better through the first half and starting the second half on top. This was before Diogo Dalot gave the Red Devils a 1-0 lead, which couldn’t be held onto.
Ruben Amorim watched as a familiar script played out where his substitutions had a net negative effect on United and led to a losing position being spoiled.
What is your MESSAGE to Ruben Amorim after the 1-1 draw vs West Ham?
“We had good moments and we lost a little bit of control after the goal. We should have closed the game when we scored the first one.”
Ruben Amorim
Manchester United v West Ham United - Premier League
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The draw saw Amorim make multiple mistakes, with his substitutions earning criticism. But poor in-game decisions are alongside his continuous errors in team selection, with the team largely playing in roles they cannot perform.
Now Phil Jones has explained who he thinks is being misused by Amorim.
Bruno Fernandes getting instructions from Ruben Amorim.
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
Phil Jones says four Manchester United players have been playing out of position this season
Problems are piling up for Ruben Amorim this season, with the current run of one win in five dragging him back into a situation where pressure is building.
However, the Portuguese coach is not exactly helping himself, as Phil Jones has explained on ESPN FC that four United players are being played out of position right now.
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I look at the system they’re playing, if you run through the team quickly.
“You’ve got Luke Shaw playing left of a back three when his first position is probably left back. You’ve got Diogo Dalot at times playing left wing back when he’s probably a right back.
“You’ve got Bruno Fernandes playing as a six when his best position probably is a 10.
“You’ve got Amad Diallo playing right wing-back when he’s probably a seven or 11 in most teams. So yes, he’s trying to get the best out of players, but maybe playing these players in probably the second or third best suited position.”
How would you rate Amad’s performance vs West Ham?
Amad is going to be a big miss when he leaves for the AFCON!
Amad vs West Ham graphic
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Jones is correct, especially regarding Fernandes, who has been very poor when used in the defensive midfield position, and again against West Ham, he was sloppy in possession and poor at defending transition.
Ruben Amorim needs to be smarter with his team selection at Manchester United
While Amorim is not going to change his ways, there is no chance he is successful long-term at Manchester United unless he makes changes to his system and also the players picked in each position.
To start, Bruno Fernandes should be a 10 for United, probably alongside Bryan Mbeumo, where the Portuguese midfielder can be his creative best and make things happen in and around the box.
Amorim could then use Kobbie Mainoo deeper in midfield alongside Casemiro, which is a far more balanced and natural midfield pairing.
United will be able to do this due to the quality of passing that Lisandro Martinez’s return is going to bring to the back line, and therefore, ball progression won’t be an issue.
This could be such an easy win for Amorim, but he is very unlikely to take it.
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