Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim can't keep making the same mistake and expecting different results, with the Portuguese coach starting the inexperienced Ayden Heaven in the centre of defence.
Amorim recognised his mistake less than two weeks ago, substituting Heaven at half-time against West Ham United. The English centre-back is just 19 years old, and with Amorim insisting on sticking to his current formation, Heaven is being thrown in at the deep end in a United side that are struggling defensively.
Heaven arrived at Old Trafford from Arsenal, where he failed to make a Premier League appearance, playing just once in the EFL Cup for the Gunners. Despite his lack of experience, Heaven has been given a key role at times this season, but that might not be the right decision.
Amorim Can't Keep Making the Same Heaven Mistake
Ayden Heaven in action for Manchester United
Despite being just 19 years old, Heaven is tasked with leading the United defence in the centre of the back three. His lack of experience is a major concern, and he was arguably at fault for two of Bournemouth's goals at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Some might suggest that Amorim has a lack of options at the moment, but that leans further into the claims that he should be willing to adapt his formation to suit the players he's got. Thrusting a young player into a pressurised environment when he's arguably not ready can be damaging, but the Portuguese manager is insistent on sticking to a three-at-the-back formation.
Lisandro Martinez and Patrick Dorgu were options on the bench for United, while switching to a back four is also a possibility. Samuel Luckhurst claimed that Heaven was 'at the scene of the crime again' vs Bournemouth, the same as against West Ham.
Amorim Even Has Left-Field Options
manchester united casemiro
Another route can go down is bringing in a player like Casemiro to the centre of defence. The Brazilian has the experience to play in this role and has done in the past, while it would also allow someone like Kobbie Mainoo to come into the midfield.
Amorim would likely claim that having Harry Maguire and Matthijs De Ligt has forced his hand, but there are certainly other options available. He clearly noticed his mistake against West Ham, substituting him at half-time, but opted to play him once again against Wolves, before he started against Bournemouth on Monday night.