Manchester United dropped two points at home in a chaotic eight-goal thriller against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Both fans and players had to catch their breath after the full-time whistle in Manchester United’s 4-4 draw against Bournemouth.
Ruben Amorim warned United players not to take Bournemouth’s poor Premier League form for granted, and the Red Devils nearly allowed complacency to sneak into their second-half display.
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United’s record of never losing at Old Trafford when leading at the break was under serious threat, but Ruben Amorim inspired another comeback from his players to keep it intact.
During the chaotic second-half display, United legend Gary Neville was keen to pile praise on Amorim for his in-game management.
Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford during draw with Bournemouth
Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images
Gary Neville praises Ruben Amorim’s substitutions
This season, Amorim’s in-game decisions have been criticised, especially his preference to change his defence during matches.
Amorim made all five changes against Bournemouth, including more minutes for Kobbie Mainoo and a return from injury for Benjamin Sesko.
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During his commentary on Sky Sports, Neville praised Amorim for his brave decision-making.
“I think we’ve been critical of Amorim for not having the right system and players on the pitch with the stubbornness for the system he plays, but in this period of the game, he’s got it spot on,” Neville said.
“The players you want on the pitch are there. Amad on the right, Mbeumo and Sesko up front, Cunha to the left. Mainoo and Fernandes as the midfield pair and then the back four.
“There’s no excuses now.”
Ruben Amorim deserved a win for tactical masterstroke
In the build-up to the match, reports were circulating that Amorim has been working on a 4-3-3 system in training.
Against Bournemouth, Amorim showed his tactical growth by setting up United in a very fluid formation that saw players interchange between a back three and four.
There was also a tweak up front with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha often playing as a strike partnership in the first half.
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Bournemouth struggled to handle United’s change of tactics in the first half, and Amorim must have been left scratching his head at how his side didn’t take a bigger advantage into half-time.
The second half was simply breathless, but Amorim managed it as well as he could have.
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