Matthijs de Ligt Points Finger at Real Culprit Behind Man Utd's Shocking Downfall
Manchester United center-back Matthijs de Ligt contends that the squad must shoulder greater accountability for the club's poor form rather than head coach Ruben Amorim.
Criticism surrounding Amorim's tactical approach has been widespread since he implemented his preferred 3-4-2-1 system upon arriving in November 2024. The Portuguese manager has remained steadfast in his methods, even stating that club hierarchy would need to dismiss him if they desire a different formation as they continue seeking back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since early in the 2023–24 season.
Despite mounting pressure on Amorim, De Ligt maintained that the coach can only influence so much and that the players deserve greater scrutiny for their part in the team's decline.
"It's always convenient to blame the manager, but ultimately the players on the field must deliver," he emphasized. "We cannot attribute the goals we've allowed, or the opportunities we've given away, to... I'm not sure, you media always discuss the tactical system.
"That also relates significantly to mental sharpness, awareness, and when those elements are missing during crucial moments, it will impact results."
Jamie Carragher: 'Disaster' Amorim Needs to Leave Immediately
De Ligt's backing of Amorim was not echoed by Liverpool icon and analyst Jamie Carragher, who suggested the coach remains employed only due to United executives' reluctance to acknowledge their recruitment error.
"This has been catastrophic for Man Utd and Ruben Amorim," he stated on Monday Night Football. "His achievements at Sporting Lisbon were remarkable and he appeared to be the emerging managerial talent. However, appointing a coach with such a rigid system never aligned with Man Utd's philosophy and the sooner the organization decides on the manager's future, the better for all parties because this has been disastrous for both the club and the coach.
"We're simply awaiting the unavoidable outcome, regrettably. Nobody wants to witness job losses but this situation must conclude as swiftly as possible.
"The sole bright spot for United is they haven't fully committed to his tactical approach. They've provided substantial transfer funds but haven't purchased numerous center-backs or wing-backs.
"The acquisitions they've made can easily adapt to a back-four formation, positioning Bruno Fernandes as the playmaker, Bryan Mbeumo on the right flank, perhaps Matheus Cunha on the left wing and Benjamin Sesko leading the attack, and I believe a capable manager could guide that squad in such a setup toward European qualification or contention."