Micah Richards says what Ruben Amorim must change at Man United is ‘crystal clear’
Manchester United were tepid once again as they sank to a miserable 3-0 defeat away at city rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
Phil Foden gave Man City the lead midway through the first half, with Bruno Fernandes’ defending drawing criticism from Man United’s fans.
Roy Keane slammed Luke Shaw against Man City for his role in the build-up to the goal, as Amorim’s back-three system looked all at sea once again.
A second-half brace from Erling Haaland left Gary Neville in awe, taking the game away from Man United and securing all three points for Man City.
Micah Richards highlights key change Man United must make
After the match, much of the analysis focused on Amorim’s shape once again, with many pundits pointing to a lack of balance in midfield.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast after the match, ex-Man City defender and pundit Micah Richards spoke about what Amorim needs to change.
Richards said: “And I actually thought in aspects of the game today, Man United did good things. But what is crystal clear is in the middle of the park, they need more legs. I can see that.
“All the fans can see that. But the manager is sticking to his guns. And I just don’t understand it. Every manager should be able to adapt.”
Ruben Amorim continues to falter with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in attendance
As Haaland scampered away through Man United’s half without a defender is sight to slot home his second goal, Amorim must have been imagining the worst.
When the television cameras panned to Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the Etihad crowd, the look on his faced painted the picture of a man with increasing frustrations.
Those frustrations have grown for good reason, as the sack looms over Ratcliffe’s first major hire at the club since his part takeover of the club in 2024.
| Ruben Amorim Premier League record | |
| Played | 31 |
| Points | 31 |
| Goal difference | -13 |
Amorim’s tenure has been dismal, with the Portuguese head coach struggling to implement his rigid tactical style on a team that isn’t built for it.
One way or another something will soon have to change at Old Trafford if Ratcliffe is to see his boyhood club return to the pinnacle of English football, whether that’s the manager or a compromise of his style remains to be seen.