Michael Owen has slammed two Manchester United stars after Rúben Amorim made a critical mistake in their 3-1 loss away to Brentford.
Rúben Amorim brought Matheus Cunha back into Manchester United’s starting lineup as they travelled to Brentford for the opening match of the Premier League’s final September weekend.
United started on the front foot, but it was the hosts who struck first. Igor Thiago slipped behind Amorim’s defensive line to beat Altay Bayındır in the 9th minute, then doubled his tally 10 minutes later to put Brentford firmly in control.
Benjamin Šeško reduced the deficit with a scrappy effort, though United failed to find an equaliser before the break.
After a subdued start to the second half, Amorim introduced Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro in search of momentum. Brentford soon won a penalty through Bryan Mbeumo, but Bruno Fernandes’ spot-kick was saved after a prolonged delay in the decision.
Despite throwing on extra attackers late on, United could not break through. In stoppage time, Mathias Jensen’s thunderous finish sealed a 3-1 win for Brentford.
Amorim makes big setup mistake
United’s back three against Brentford consisted of Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, who didn’t cover themselves in glory during the defeat to Brentford.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Michael Owen slammed the United defence, while also being perplexed by Amorim’s squad selection, which doesn’t match with his tactical philosophy.
He said: “You have to have pace at the back, this is a fundamental problem, if you’re wanting to go and attack, and press high, you have to have pace at the back.
“This is not rocket science, this is basic stuff. If you play those defenders [Maguire and de Ligt], you have to be a counter-attacking team.”
Leny Yoro needs to be a regular starter
De Ligt, who impressed against Chelsea, had a first half to forget against Brentford, with the Netherlands international being ‘shocking’ at times.
With Maguire’s inclusion at the centre of the back three, the 26-year-old has been playing on the right of the defence, where he is weaker, rather than in the middle.
If Amorim were to deploy Leny Yoro on the right of the defence and use de Ligt in the centre, the Frenchman, who has impressed so far this season, would add some much-needed speed and mobility at the back.
Lisandro Martinez, who is expected to be back in first-team action soon, as well as Ayden Heaven, would also add mobility to the left side instead of Shaw, who is expected to rival Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu at left wing-back once the Argentinian defender returns.
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