Tim Howard believes that Ruben Amorim needs to make changes to his tactics following Manchester United’s dramatic draw with Bournemouth on Monday night.
Manchester United drew 4-4 with Bournemouth in an eight-goal thriller at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils led at half-time as Amad Diallo and Casemiro scored headers for the hosts, either side of Antoine Semenyo’s equaliser.
Bournemouth equalised again early in the second half through Evanilson before Marcus Tavernier and Bruno Fernandes hit the back of the net with free-kicks.
United thought they had won the game when Matheus Cunha gave them the lead for a third time, but that was before Eli Junior Kroupi made it 4-4 in the latter stages of the match.
The result means United are sitting sixth in the Premier League before travelling to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Ruben Amorim annoyed on the touchline
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Tim Howard reflects on Man Utd 4-4 Bournemouth
Former United goalkeeper Tim Howard claims that the dramatic draw with Bournemouth has led him to change his mind about Amorim completely.
Amorim has faced a lot of pressure this season, with critics questioning his every move in terms of tactics and the players he selects. The only way to deal with them is by winning football matches and United didn’t achieve that on Monday night.
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While Gary Neville was happy with United’s performance, Howard took issue with Amorim’s tactics, particularly in midfield.
“I now, having seen that game, I can totally say that I have switched my thought process and say Amorim has to change something tactically,” Howard said on CBS Sports.
“Not everything but he has to find a six. Maybe that’s Kobbie Mainoo? He has to find a six that just sits, no matter what type of game this is, I don’t care going that way.
“I just need to control tempo because there are too many players out of position. If you’re going to have both wing backs forward, and you’re going to have Bruno Fernandes who gets into the attack gets attracted to the ball, that’s fine. And then, every now and again, Casemiro runs out of play. You can’t have that.
“Something has to change with him tactically and it’s not an overhaul. It’s a slight tweak and that’s what good managers do because this is crazy.”
Howard was joined by fellow former United player Danny Higginbotham in the studio.
Higginbotham pointed the blame towards the players rather than Amorim.
Casemiro suspension could lead to rare Kobbie Mainoo start
Casemiro picked up a yellow card in the draw against Bournemouth, which means he will be ruled out for the trip to Aston Villa.
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It's the worst possible timing! Who should replace him?
Casemiro suspended
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That means Amorim will be forced to make a change to the line-up, particularly in midfield, as Casemiro has been a mainstay alongside Fernandes.
Mainoo will be hoping to get his first Premier League start of the season, so long as Amorim isn’t annoyed by the recent attention-seeking stunt from the player’s brother.
Manuel Ugarte will be in contention to start ahead of Mainoo.
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