Defenseless. It was probably like that Ruben Amorim felt wave after wave of corners from Arsenal on Wednesday night, with the Portuguese looking on. Manchester United side somewhat faded under increasing pressure.
For the first time in 34 league matches, the former boss of Sporting CP tasted defeat. A first defeat came barely three matches into his career. Premier League mandate. That's what life at United can do…
The crouching coach may have grown a few more gray hairs as he witnessed his side's second-half sluggishness at the Emirates, with the 39-year-old's prophecy coming true that his team you will have to “suffer” at the beginning of his reign.
Unlike in previous years, however, there was at least some semblance of a plan, an idea in the first 45 minutes, with a stubborn display helping to frustrate the hosts, even if things didn't click in an attacking sense.
However, it is worrying to note that this encouraging performance was not taken advantage of in the second half, the substitutions largely imposed by the new man not having borne fruit.
At the very least, such a performance will have given Amorim a better understanding of the quality and character of his team, with further changes likely to be in store for the visit of Nottingham Forest later today.
Man Utd's best and worst players against Arsenal
Let's start with the positives, shall we?
In what was his first league start since the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in October, returning Harry Maguire stood out at the heart of the back three, with the Englishman making an impact in both boxes. Overall, the 31-year-old won 100% of his duels and completed 96% of his passes, according to Sofascore.
His replacement, Leny Yoro, was also a real light after entering the fray, with the French teenager – who won four of his five duels in total – showing what the Red Devils were missing in his first competitive outing for the club.
Elsewhere, Tyrell Malacia held his own in the first 45 against Bukayo Saka, before being hooked at the break following an unnecessary yellow card, while summer signing Manuel Ugarte showed his worth, winning nine duels and completing 100% of his dribbling attempts.
On the other hand, it was a dark night offensively for the away team, with Alejandro Garnacho looking particularly latewhile Rasmus Hojlund failed to even get a sniff of William Saliba, having made just 20 touches in all.
It was a similar story for those who entered the fray in the second half, with Marcus Rashford – who had scored twice at the weekend – having virtually no impact aside from comically knocking the ball out of play during the preparation for the Arsenal match. decisive second.
Amorim will also have had food for thought by the demonstration of his captain, with there an argument to be made according to which Bruno Fernandes could now find himself on the bench against the Tricky Trees.
Why Bruno Fernandes could be sidelined against Forest
Resting or benching a player who has started every Premier League match this season – while contributing nine assists in total in all competitions – may seem silly, but there is a sense of intrigue to see what this team could look like without Fernandes' involvement.
A former sportsman and compatriot of Amorim, the 30-year-old seemed an obvious figure who could thrive under the new regime, although question marks remain over his place in the team.
Against Everton this weekend, the playmaker started in one of the two number ten spots and provided two assists, although whether this is a long-term home remains to be seen, Amorim stating after the victory against Bodo/Glimt that “I think he's a midfielder“.
|
Fernandes Stats – First 4 games under Amorim |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Statistical |
||||
|
Minutes played |
90 |
90 |
66 |
90 |
|
Keys |
71 |
95 |
45 |
79 |
|
Goals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Aids |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Key passes |
3 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Big chances created |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Success accuracy |
92% |
88% |
73% |
86% |
|
Lost possession |
10x |
12x |
15x |
13x |
|
Total duels won |
5/10 |
2/4 |
3/7 |
2/11 |
|
Dribbled pass |
0 |
1x |
1x |
4x |
|
Statistics via Sofascore |
||||
After being pushed back to the center of the park alongside Ugarte for the trip to north London – with Kobbie Mainoo sidelined with suspension – the United skipper was particularly poor, having regularly squandered possession after losing the ball 13 times.
In the first half, in particular, Fernandes was picked off after delaying the ball, winning just two of his 11 duels in total, while being remarkably dribbled past on four occasions.
The former Udinese man proved two moments of quality – having teed up Matthijs de Ligt and Antony after the break from set-pieces – but his suitability in both of those midfields must surely be questioned.
With Mainoo returning tonight, it could be a straight swap alongside Ugarte, with the attacking spots taken by Mason Mount, Rashford or Garnacho. Likewise, pushing Amad further is also an option.
Yes, Fernandes could just step into that wide ten role, but with Amorim having already experimented so much in recent times, why not roll the dice again by contemplating life without his captain.
With tougher tests ahead against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the coming weeks, now would be the perfect time for another personnel reshuffle.
Fernandes may be the main man, but after his midweek performance, Amorim must make it clear that no starting place alongside him is a certainty.
#Amorim #bench #Man #Utd #star #started #game
Premier League,Manchester United,Chalkboard,Bruno Fernandes ,
