Did Owen Hargreaves Criticize Ruben Amorim's Decision After Man United's Loss to Man City?

Owen Hargreaves has sharply criticised Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim for not starting Kobbie Mainoo during the team's recent 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. Despite Mainoo's impressive performance after being substituted in, Amorim remains committed to his midfield strategy, sparking debate among fans and analysts about the young talent's role in the squad.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Hargreaves believes Kobbie Mainoo was United's standout player against City.
• Amorim continues to defend his tactical choices, despite criticism.
• Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League match this season.
• The defeat highlighted ongoing issues in United's midfield structure.
• Fans are increasingly frustrated with the team's performance and selections.

The Match Overview

On Sunday, Manchester United faced a disappointing defeat against their local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The match concluded with City celebrating a 3-0 victory, thanks to Phil Foden's first-half header and two goals from Erling Haaland after the break. United struggled to make any significant impact, raising questions about their midfield setup and tactical approach.

Midfield Concerns

One of the most contentious points of discussion post-match was the decision not to start Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old midfielder, who is yet to feature in a starting role in the Premier League this season, came on in the 62nd minute and delivered an outstanding performance. Hargreaves was vocal in his praise, asserting that Mainoo was "by a country mile" the best player for United during his time on the pitch.

Hargreaves' Critique

Hargreaves did not hold back in expressing his frustrations with Amorim's choices. He questioned the decision to play Bruno Fernandes in a deeper midfield role alongside Manuel Ugarte, suggesting that Fernandes should operate as a more advanced playmaker:

“Bruno can’t play there as a central defensive midfielder any more, he’s got to play as a No.10,” Hargreaves stated. He further suggested that changes are necessary to improve the team's performance, advocating for Mainoo's inclusion in the starting XI.

Amorim's Stance

Despite the criticism, Ruben Amorim stood firm in his beliefs about the team's structure. He defended his decisions, stating, "I know it’s really hard for people, and the fans don’t want to hear me saying these things." Amorim expressed his frustration with the narrative surrounding Mainoo, indicating that he has been trying different strategies to optimise the team's performance.

“I’m trying to imagine the game,” he explained, “but when you don’t win, it doesn’t work, you take the critics, that’s it.” This statement reflects the pressure he faces as manager and the expectations from fans and analysts alike.

What's Next for United?

As Manchester United prepares for their upcoming fixtures, the question remains: will Kobbie Mainoo finally receive the starting opportunity he deserves? The club's midfield issues are becoming increasingly apparent, and fans are eager for a solution. The continued absence of Mainoo in the starting lineup could further alienate supporters who have already expressed their dissatisfaction with United's recent performances.

Potential Changes and Tactical Adjustments

Considering the ongoing struggles, it would be prudent for Amorim to explore tactical adjustments. Suggestions have included moving Fernandes back to a more attacking role and integrating Mainoo into the starting XI. Hargreaves advocated for using players like Bryan and Amad in conjunction with Fernandes to create a more dynamic midfield approach.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

The reaction from Manchester United supporters has been one of growing frustration. Many fans are concerned that the current tactical approach is not yielding results and that changes are necessary for the team to remain competitive in the league. The clamour for Mainoo's inclusion in the starting lineup reflects a desire for a more youthful and energetic midfield that can effectively challenge opponents.

Conclusion: A Crucial Decision Ahead

As the pressure mounts on Amorim to deliver results, the decision to integrate Kobbie Mainoo into the starting lineup could be pivotal for Manchester United. With mounting criticism from former players and analysts alike, the manager must carefully consider how to best utilise his squad to improve performances. The upcoming matches could serve as a defining moment for both Amorim and Mainoo.

FAQs

Why did Owen Hargreaves criticise Ruben Amorim?

Owen Hargreaves criticised Ruben Amorim for not starting Kobbie Mainoo against Manchester City, despite Mainoo's impressive performance as a substitute.

What did Hargreaves say about Kobbie Mainoo's performance?

Hargreaves described Mainoo as Manchester United's best player during his brief appearance against City, stating he performed significantly better than his teammates.

What is Ruben Amorim's response to the criticism?

Amorim defended his tactical choices, expressing that he is trying to implement different strategies, and acknowledged the criticism that comes with losing.

What are the concerns regarding Manchester United's midfield?

Concerns include the ineffective pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, as well as the lack of opportunities for young talents like Kobbie Mainoo.

What changes could Manchester United make in future matches?

Potential changes could involve starting Mainoo, moving Fernandes to a more advanced role, and experimenting with different player combinations in the midfield.