Owen Hargreaves left stunned by Ruben Amorim mistake, Man Utd boss instantly responds

Owen Hargreaves was left stunned by a decision from Ruben Amorim during Manchester United’s defeat to Nottingham Forest on the weekend.

Manchester United suffered a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Sunday evening.

Nikola Milenkovic opened the scoring early with a powerful header from a corner, leaving André Onana with no chance.

Despite the early blow, Amorim’s team controlled much of the first half, and Rasmus Højlund equalised just before the 20-minute mark.

But United’s defensive vulnerabilities resurfaced after half-time, as they conceded quickly and then fell 3-1 behind due to a series of defensive errors from Onana and his backline.

Bruno Fernandes managed to grab a second goal for United midway through the second half but it was eventually not enough to take anything from the game.

Amorim once again will be thinking to use the game as a learning experience and one of his substitutions left many fans with eyebrows raised.

He replaced Fernandes with Mason Mount shortly before the 80th minute, with the club captain coming off despite scoring once and being involved in the other.

Owen Hargreaves admits that he was ‘amazed’ by this decision and suggests it was a mistake from the new head coach to substitute the Portuguese midfielder.

“I was amazed [Fernandes] went off. He had scored one, helping assist another, and was very threatening,” explained Hargreaves after the game.

“He’s the guy, him and Amad, right now, they’re gonna create you something. I’m sure Amorim will regret that.

“Bruno was the one guy, with everything running through him. He was almost coaching the team on the pitch, even for the first goal, you can see him directing De Ligt where to pass the ball. Him and Amad, they’re the only ones creating something.”

United haven’t historically done well when Fernandes is not on the pitch since he joined the club but the reliance still placed on him creatively is concerning.

Amorim immediately responded to the criticism to replace Fernandes by simply saying the 30-year-old was ‘too tired’.

Fernandes has started all five of Amorim’s first games in charge and is one of only two outfield player to do so. In a new system that demands much a lot, it is an understandable move.

He told reporters: “I understand Bruno is really dangerous with the ball but he was too tired and I wanted [Mason] Mount to play that position of second midfielder who opens a bit on the left.”

United should instead start learning to be dangerous without Fernandes running things, with other players stepping up.

Right now, Amad Diallo looks like the only forward player capable of taking on such responsibility.

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