Rio Ferdinand has completely agreed with Manchester United fans over a confusing move Ruben Amorim is persisting with in the Premier League.
Manchester United began their match against Chelsea with purpose on the weekend, displaying confidence rather than the hesitancy expected after a week of criticism for poor performances.
Ruben Amorim’s men pressed with energy from the start, and Chelsea were reduced to ten players just five minutes in when Robert Sánchez was dismissed for fouling Bryan Mbeumo on the edge of the box.
Bruno Fernandes soon put United ahead with a sharp run and finish, before Casemiro doubled the lead following a scrappy battle in the area.
However, United’s momentum stalled late in the first half when Casemiro picked up a second booking and was sent off, allowing Chelsea a way back.
The second half, contested with ten players on each side, was largely subdued until Trevoh Chalobah headed in to narrow the deficit in the 80th minute. United stood firm in the closing stages, and Amorim’s side secured a valuable victory.
Ferdinand completely agrees with United fans over confusing Amorim move
United would have been annoyed that they conceded late in the game on Saturday evening, and many felt that Harry Maguire would have been able to head the ball away.
But the English defender had been substituted 10 minutes earlier for Leny Yoro. Amorim has regularly changed his centre-backs mid-game.
This is something that confuses fans, and ex-defender Rio Ferdinand is also unsure on why the Portuguese boss decides to do this so regularly.
On X, Ferdinand posted: “Nervous 3 points. Now build on it. Build momentum. PS. Still not sure on this changing CB’s the way we do!”
The centre-backs have changed in all five of United’s Premier League games and while there are plenty who disagree with this kind of move – Ferdinand included – there is a clear reason behind it.
Centre-backs have heavy workload under Amorim
Amorim’s system relies heavily on the two wide centre-backs to do a lot of legwork both in possession and without the ball.
They are tasked with progressing the ball, covering the wingbacks out wide while also stepping aggressively into the midfield when the ball is played centrally.
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As the game is stretched and players are tiring, if those wide centre-backs step up too late, they can be exposed and Amorim clearly feels that fresh legs in those areas is useful.
There will continue to be question marks over this, however, simply because it is a general rule in football that you shouldn’t change your defence in-game unless it is needed.
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