BBC pundit rips into Man United starter who’s a world-beater, he’s the ‘biggest problem’ in the team
Manchester United have had a difficult start to their Premier League campaign but a BBC pundit doesn’t think Ruben Amorim’s system is the problem.
The Red Devils sit 14th in the table, on just four points after four games, and look to have made very little progress since last season.
On Sunday (14 September), Man United were beaten 3-0 by rivals Man City at the Etihad Stadium, in a game that showed the vast gulf between the two sides.
A Phil Foden header was followed by two second-half Erling Haaland goals, as Pep Guardiola’s side ripped through the United defence with ease, prompting serious questions about Amorim’s style.
Danny Murphy highlights key Man United problem
Since his appointment at Man United, Amorim has been regularly criticised for refusing to stray away from the 3-5-2 formation he utitlised with such great success at Sporting Lisbon.
The Portuguese manager has an abysmal win rate of just over 25 per cent in the Premier League so far, and is under increasing pressure to start turning results around.
However, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day 2, former Liverpool and Fulham midfielder, Danny Murphy believes that Amorim’s system is not the problem, and that Man United are suffering as a result of playing players out of position.
Murphy said: “At times, I’m not a fan of the shape, but over their first four games it has improved. They look more compact, they look like they know what they’re doing. They’re not as easy to play through.
“Their bigger problem in recent weeks is the individuals he (Amorim) is playing in the wrong positions, in that shape. Bruno (Fernandes) is a great example. He’s been one of Europe’s best number 10s, but he’s now being asked to be an eight, do defensive work, and spot danger, which he just doesn’t do very well.”
Man United race Man City for highly rated defender
Meanwhile, Man United could be set to race Man City for Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries, sources have told Football Insider.
Both clubs were busy during the summer and have addressed key areas of their squad, but are also aware of areas of weakness which they failed to address.
Dumfries has emerged as a target for the two Manchester sides, who remain keen to strengthen at right-back.
However, City could walk away from the deal due to concerns over age, which would leave the door open for Amorim’s side to swoop in.
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