Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has shared his take on Rúben Amorim’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Manchester United faced a tough test on Sunday evening as they travelled to Villa Park without several key players due to AFCON, injuries and suspensions.
Casemiro’s absence would have been a big challenge for Rúben Amorim, as Manuel Ugarte came in to replace the Brazilian. Kobbie Mainoo may have been the first choice after his impressive Bournemouth cameo, but he was also unavailable after a training ground injury.
To add to Amorim’s issues, Bruno Fernandes appeared to suffer a hamstring injury just before halftime, and without Mainoo, he was replaced by Lisandro Martínez – a natural central defender, although he has some experience in midfield from his time at Ajax under Erik ten Hag.
Martínez looked comfortable in midfield, as did young Jack Fletcher when he replaced Ugarte, but it wasn’t enough to inspire United to victory.
Morgan Rodgers came up with two brilliant finishes from the left side of the goal to give Aston Villa all three points. Senne Lammens was left a spectator for both goals, although he came close to the second goal, just over 10 minutes after halftime.
Carrick’s take on “positives” for United
United have struggled away from home this season with just three wins from nine games in the Premier League this campaign, not to mention the away defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
However, on Sunday evening, United looked much better, even after Fernandes was forced off. Amorim’s side looked calm and composed, despite battling against an impressive Villa team and a threatening Villa Park crowd.
After the game, former United midfielder Michael Carrick said: “I think United did better than okay. Take into context the players they have missing and going to Villa, I thought, largely, they control it.
“Villa scored against the run of play if anything. There are a lot of positives, but conceding goals is a big issue.”
Despite not taking a point away from the trip to Birmingham, Amorim will leave Villa Park happy after seeing his side look competitive against the most in-form team in the division.
United must solve defensive issues in January
United’s defence has been shaky for the last few weeks. Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are sorely missed in the middle of Amorim’s back three, despite Ayden Heaven’s impressive performance.
In the last five games, United have conceded nine goals and haven’t kept a clean sheet since Lammen’s debut against Sunderland on Saturday, 4 October.
A new central defender must be on the shortlist in January, although Jason Wilcox may find it difficult to justify another defensive signing without moving on a current first-teamer.
With Antoine Semenyo reportedly available at the beginning of the window, a new defender won’t be the main focus, but it must be considered.
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