‘Ruben Amorim negatively affects Man United dressing room’ – ‘It’s unacceptable’
Ruben Amorim has been accused of negatively affecting the Man United dressing room as they prepare for their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club.
United’s 4-3 loss to Brentford on Sunday (4 May) mathematically guaranteed the club were no longer able to finish in the top-half of the Premier League this season.
The loss was the Red Devils’ 16th of the season, the most defeats they have suffered since the 1989/90 season, 35 years ago.
To top it all off, since Amorim was appointed Man United manager, only the trio of relegated clubs have won fewer games in the Premier League.
However, the silver lining to their domestic form has been a strong showing in the Europa League, with United’s 3-0 win over Athletic putting them in a strong position to make it to the final of the competition.
But after Amorim’s damning comments, saying “this season was the worst in the last 50 years” [Sky Sports], Alan Brazil believes the manager is making things worse in the dressing room, and therefore on the pitch.
Ruben Amorim’s negative comments a concern
When asked on talkSPORT by presenter Shebahn Aherne how long it would take for Amorim’s comments to affect the dressing room, United‘s former striker said (8 May, 7.25am): “I think it’s affecting the dressing room now, you know.
“It’s unacceptable, I’ll give you an example, we know that obviously Leeds are coming up, Burnley are coming up and one other.
“People are saying, ‘Who’s got a great chance of staying up?’ And I look who’s just above them and you see West Ham, you see United, you see Spurs.”
Brazil then continued, pointing out the strength of the teams in the middle of the table, then said: “You see United and Spurs down there, it’s totally unacceptable.”
Man United quietly showing signs of life under Ruben Amorim
Football Insider Verdict
United have given up on their domestic form, with their full focus on securing the Europa League crown.
But before Amorim began fielding youngster-laden starting XI’s, and even during that time, the Red Devils have shown marked signs of improvement.
United have lost five of their last 17 games in all competitions, with only the 4-1 destruction at the hands of Newcastle being by more than a one-goal margin.
During that time, Amorim’s side have drawn with Arsenal and Man City, whilst also beating Lyon, Real Sociedad, and Athletic.
The team needs a lot of work this summer, with striker just one of several positions desperate for reinforcement.
But in terms of just passing the eye test, United are close, and the tactical system the Portuguese manager is employing is beginning to pay dividends.