"We Create a Lot" - Ruben Amorim Defends Man Utd's Attacking Style Amid Fan Criticism

Amorim Defends His Tactical Approach Amid Criticism

Manchester United currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table, and manager Rúben Amorim has faced growing criticism over the team's poor home form. The Red Devils have managed only one win in their last five matches at Old Trafford, which has led to increasing pressure on the coach. With United still outside the Champions League qualification spots, the recent draw against Wolves, a side that has yet to secure a victory this season, has further fueled discontent among fans.

Amorim has been accused of playing it too safe, particularly in his selection of defenders over attackers in recent games. Fans have also booed his substitution choices, with former players like Paul Scholes and Gary Neville expressing concerns about the team's approach to attacking football. Despite these criticisms, Amorim remains confident in his methods, pointing to the team’s strong performance in terms of shot creation and goal-scoring opportunities.

Emphasizing Attack and Creativity

"We create and score more than most teams," Amorim stated during a press conference. "That is a point. I understand the team better than anyone. Sometimes you have the supporters questioning your decisions. Sometimes you have to do what you think, and sometimes it's hard for them to understand. But I know when I look at the pitch, I can understand which player is tired, which player is going to struggle a lot if there is one against one all the time. And I just try to protect the team and just try to win games."

He added, "Sometimes it's the best substitution, sometimes it's the wrong substitution. But I just try to do my best. I think there is one team that scores more than us. We create a lot. We have more shots than anyone. So if we have something here completely different from last year, it's the way we attack. I think we need to improve the way we defend."

Dealing with Injuries and Absences

Amorim acknowledged the challenges posed by key players being unavailable due to injury or international duty. He mentioned that Bruno Fernandes' extended absence, along with the absence of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo at the Africa Cup of Nations, has affected the team's creative output. However, he avoided framing this as an excuse.

"I don't like to talk about that. But it sounds like an excuse. It was bad luck to lose Amad, Bryan, especially, and Bruno at the same time. They had more creation in the opportunities than the rest of the team. If you lose the three of them at the same time, any team in the world will struggle. And now Mount. But I'm not talking about everyone. I'm just focusing on the three guys that we have all the data, you have all the data, and you can sense that three guys create most of the chances for us."

He continued, "And if you lose not one, but all three at the same time, of course we are going to struggle. Then you have to put set pieces in that. Who is kicking the set pieces? Amad, Bryan and Bruno. So everything is combined and we just need to acknowledge it. And it's getting closer to have all these three players back. The important thing is to understand why we struggled in the last three games in creation and quality in the game. So I think it's clear."

Focus on Defensive Improvements

While praising the team's attacking progress, Amorim pointed to defensive issues as a key factor in United's current position in the league. He highlighted individual mistakes and moments of poor concentration as the main causes of the team's struggles, rather than a lack of investment in defense.

"We could be better with the squad that we have defending and not suffering goals like we suffered in the last minute of the first half against Wolves. That can change the dynamic of the game. Of course we are scoring more because we have different characteristics. It helps us to be more creative. But if you look at the way we defend, it's not just the defenders. It's defending as a team. It's an urgency. I know that we could be better in that department without any investment."

Looking Ahead

United's next match is a short trip to face rivals Leeds United, who have remained unbeaten in their last six Premier League games. As the team continues to navigate challenges both on and off the pitch, Amorim remains focused on improving performance and securing results moving forward.