“I can’t believe…” Ian Wright and Gary Neville stunned with Ruben Amorim’s ‘outstanding’ mistake vs Arsenal

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright was in disbelief at Rúben Amorim’s decision not to start one of Manchester United’s stars on Wednesday evening, with Gary Neville agreeing.

Rúben Amorim endured his first defeat as Manchester United head coach as Arsenal claimed a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.

United entered the match with a clear focus on defensive solidity, successfully containing Arsenal’s attacking threat throughout a tightly contested first half. However, the approach left them struggling to create opportunities going forward.

Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock in the second half, capitalising on their physical advantage to score twice from corners and secure the win.

Despite the result, there were positives for United, including Harry Maguire’s composed performance and a promising debut for Leny Yoro. Amorim, though, has plenty to work on as he prepares his team for the challenges ahead.

Amorim’s “outstanding” mistake

Amorim made six changes to his XI that beat Everton 4-0, with those such as Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford dorpping to the becnh while Lisandro Martínez and Kobbie Mainoo were both suspended.

However, it was Amorim’s decisoin to drop Amad Diallo that stunned former Arsenal frontman Ian Wright the most. Amad came on at half-time and made the fixutre more dynamic, Neville agreeing that the young Ivorian is an “outstanding” player.

“That guy [Amad] frightens me to death!” Wright explained, to which Neville replied, “Amad has been the best player at Man United for the last few weeks. He has been outstanding!”

Further, Wright then exclaimed: “I can’t believe they didn’t start him! He worries me but what are they doing getting Mason Mount on?” Neville agreed in response.

Amad’s second-half display

While Amorim chose Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia as the wing-backs at the Emirates, once Amad replaced Dalot on the right side, with the Portugese international shifting to the left as Malacia came off, United became more dynamic.

Amad had three passes into the final third, one touch in Arsenal’s area, as well as compleeting two of his three attempted dribbles.

On the defensive side, he won his only attempted tackle, made two recovries, once clearance, and one interception.

Amad has been invalluable for Amorim so far as a right wing-back, although it’s expected that, long term, he will develop into one of the attacking No. 10s.

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