‘Happening again in front of our eyes’ – Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher spot Ruben Amorim tactic that has NEVER worked
GARY NEVILLE and Jamie Carragher have spotted a Ruben Amorim tactic that has NEVER worked at Manchester United.
The Red Devils slumped to their ninth defeat of the Premier League season against Newcastle on Monday evening.
The Magpies claimed a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford but the scoreline could have been much worse for Amorim’s side.
During the game, Man United had ten shots but did not hit the target once.
The hosts were ineffective in their attack without talisman Bruno Fernandes, who was suspended.
However, Neville and Carragher have revealed another issue that Amorim is facing.
Carragher showed that when Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui start at right wing back, the team has not scored in open play.
However, when Amad Diallo or Antony have featured in the position, nine goals were created from open play.
Carragher claimed that the two more defensive-minded full-backs lack the “urgency” to get up the pitch.
Speaking on Sky Sports: “That’s the problem with these two playing at wing-back and the problem we’ll see.”
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However, the Liverpool legend did insist that Amorim was right to keep his style of play.
He added: “The manager has said he’s not for changing his system and I think he is right to do that, not to sort of adapt.
“He’s been brought in for a reason, to play that system and to provide at United what he provided in Lisbon with Sporting and the success they had.
“I think it would be wrong to change, but that means I think he may have to go through a little bit more pain.”
Neville also spoke about the information Carragher displayed while commenting on the match.
He said: “There was a graphic shown before the game by Jamie Carragher that showed that when Manchester United have played Mazraoui and Dalot, the more defensive wing-backs, they haven’t scored a goal in open play.
“Which is stark. And it is happening again in front of our eyes.”
The stats that Carragher showed were from before the defeat to Newcastle.
However, there was no improvement against the Magpies, and now, they appear even bleaker.
When Dalot and Mazraoui were right-wing-back, the team failed to score from open play in 359 minutes.
While the impact of Amad or Antony in the role is now nine goals from 361 minutes.
Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright spark
KOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.
Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…
Andre Onana – 5
Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.
Noussair Mazraouri – 4
The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.
But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.
Harry Maguire – 4
Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.
Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.
Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.
Casemiro – 3
Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.
Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.
Christian Eriksen – 4
Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.
He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.
Amad Diallo – 4
A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.
Joshua Zirkzee – 2
Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6
Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.
Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.
Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6
Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.
Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4
Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.
Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5
Not enough time to influence the match.