Owen Hargreaves revealed the tactical change Amorim could make to make United more dangerous following the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw against Leeds United.
Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Elland Road is a result that sums up Rúben Amorim’s side and his Premier League campaign so far this season. It has been a season of missed opportunities to break into the top four, with the last two results especially being seen as wasted chances.
The first half ended 0-0 and was an evenly contested match with neither side standing out despite the difference in league position.
The newly-promoted team took the lead with Brenden Aaronson opening the scoring in the 62nd minute for The Whites. However, this was a lead that only lasted three minutes when Joshua Zirkzee and Matheus Cunha linked up to level up the game.
The fluidity of the attack, which ultimately led to the goal, displayed the danger that United possesses when the system allows it. It is something which both fans and pundits picked up on whilst watching the match.
The game ended 1-1 with neither side having a clear-cut chance to go on to grab all three points, but Manchester United will feel two points from a possible six against Wolves, and Leeds does not provide an optimistic platform going into 2026.
Hargreaves says United must play ‘quicker’
Manchester United legend Owen Hargreaves also noticed how dangerous United’s attack looks if the tempo is slightly raised. The former England-international said,
“I think United look better when they play a little bit quicker. Sometimes people take too many touches and try to carry the ball through the midfield. Just play a quick, a little quick set from [Benjamin] Šeško.
“Cunha makes a great run from Zirkzee, it’s a great ball. And I think when they play quickly like that, United look more dangerous.”
It is both a criticism of the manager as well as the players, due to the fact that Amorim could look to promote this quicker style of attack during and in the build-up to matches. Also, the players must take accountability, as they showed that they can choose to attack with pace in certain scenarios.
Whether a tactical change is required, or a shift of personnel during the current January transfer window would be the better option, is up for debate. However, some hope may come from the fact that United have the potential to be dangerous when they choose to be.
Matheus Cunha is the player Amorim should build around
Matheus Cunha bagged his fourth goal in a Manchester United shirt during the 1-1 stalemate against Leeds. The Brazilian has been impressive in spells since his move to Manchester in the summer. His effect on a team is evident as Wolverhampton Wanderers have not been the same since he left.
Cunha excites fans whenever he picks up the ball due to his direct and rapid nature of attack, and his powerful dribbling usually sparks a chance, whilst also bringing his teammates into the game. He is a player who United fans would agree should be looked at as an individual to build a team around.
With the absences of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, Ruben Amorim will definitely be relying on the 26-year-old’s creativity and flair for the next few fixtures, hopefully aiming to make him the forefront of most of the side’s attacks.
With a huge amount of football still left to be played this season, and a fair few players waiting to return, Matheus Cunha has plenty of time to prove himself and make sure that Amorim and INEOS know he is the man they should be looking to take into their plans.
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