Manchester United All Over the Place: Ruben Amorim ‘Frurstrated’ With What He Saw

November 25, 2024
Ahmed

For Manchester United fans, the away trip to Ipswich began with optimism. A newly appointed, highly regarded manager, tasked with revitalizing an underperforming Red Devils side and returning them to the top — the stage seemed set for a fairytale start for Ruben Amorim, who had joined from Sporting Lisbon earlier this month. Unfortunately, the journey home was likely a somber one, as United’s issues appeared far from being solved.

Former Manchester United footballer Owen Hargreaves was behind Amorim on the touchline and revealed how frustrated the Portuguese looked. “He wasn’t happy with Dalot’s positioning in the first half. Zirkzee’s positioning in the second half made him a bit frustrated as well,” said Hargreaves.

🚨🗣 – Owen Hargreaves on Ruben Amorim:

“He was in front of me, and he was really frustrated, I’m not going to lie.

“He wasn’t happy with Dalot’s positioning in the first half. Zirkzee’s positioning in the second half made him a bit frustrated as well.”

“Many of these players… pic.twitter.com/lZJSHNBxln

— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) November 24, 2024

When Marcus Rashford scored the first goal of the game within 90 seconds to give his side the lead, it was a dream start for Manchester United.

It seemed as though their goalscoring woes, which had kept them 18th on the list of most goals scored in the Premier League, were finally behind them. However, little did they know that would be the highlight of the match.

Omari Hutchinson scored a stunning goal in the 43rd minute to equalize, sending the Portman Road Stadium into raptures. A resolute Ipswich side then held their ground well in the second half, while a disorganized-looking United struggled to find their rhythm, ensuring the game ended 1-1 — a point well earned by the Tractor Boys.
Many Manchester United players are under scrutiny from the club’s fanbase, with Marcus Rashford being one of the most notable. While he scored the opening goal, which many hoped would mark a turning point in his season, the rest of his performance highlighted the same issues that have plagued him in recent months. His positioning was erratic, and he failed to track back as effectively as expected.

Hargreaves suggested that several United players may not be at the club after the January transfer window, which Amorim is likely to use to bring in players who better suit his system.

Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation is not defensive; rather, it is highly attack-minded. He is known for his strong commitment to his tactics, rarely deviating once he has set his approach. Positioning is key in this system, and the likes of Dalot, Zirkee, and Rashford were not making Amorim’s life easier on that front.

It is still early days for Manchester United under Amorim’s charge, but the first game often provides a glimpse of things to come. Amorim doesn’t have much time to turn things around, as the club demands immediate success. European football will be the bare minimum, and failing to win the Europa League would also be seen as a failure.