Ruben Amorim Fires Back at Man Utd Legends: "This Is What Really Matters"
Ruben Amorim has acknowledged he comprehends why several Manchester United icons have expressed their disapproval of the squad, but maintained they are incorrect to fault his tactical approach.
Amorim introduced his 3-4-2-1 setup from Sporting CP but, despite achieving remarkable success during his tenure in Portugal, has struggled to replicate that triumph in England. He has secured victory in only nine of his 33 Premier League matches. Many have suggested that disappointing performance stems directly from the tactical system.
Wayne Rooney recently delivered a harsh critique of Amorim, stating he no longer recognizes his former club, while Gary Neville and Peter Schmeichel are among those who have questioned Amorim's choices as well.
"It's understandable, we cannot escape from the outcomes," he responded to the growing dissatisfaction from notable club personalities. "And then you have the burden from last season. But last season, for me, is irrelevant."
When pressed further on remarks about his tactical approach, Amorim emphasized that those critical voices are never heard discussing the formation when things work well for United either.
Amorim Believes His System is Not Why Man Utd Concede Certain Goals
"Regarding the tactical setup, we have already discussed that," he went on. "We had six matches this season and we dropped three. And we need to examine the games we dropped.
"We dropped against Arsenal, due to the tactical approach? It's your responsibility to form the judgments. When you examine the match against [Manchester] City, was the first consideration that crossed your mind when the match began the system? I don't believe you considered the system at that moment.
"And Brentford, the manner we allow goals, generate opportunities, that has nothing to do with the system, that is my viewpoint.
"I'm not claiming this squad would perform better in a different system or not, that's not my argument. My argument is if I examine the matches we didn't win, the most crucial aspect when I analyzed the game is not [that] we dropped because of the system. That is my viewpoint, then people have varying opinions and that's acceptable."
Several current squad members recently supported Amorim against criticism of his tactical approach. Centre back Matthijs de Ligt urged the players to accept greater accountability for the team's difficulties, before Bryan Mbeumo stated the formation was not at fault either.