Rúben Amorim must be given “credit” for bold second-half choice vs Arsenal, says pundit

BBC pundit Micah Richards has said Manchester United head coach Rúben Amorim must be given “credit” for his reaction to Diogo Dalot’s red card against Arsenal.

Manchester United advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The match began with Arsenal dominating possession, though United steadily grew into the game as the first half progressed. Gabriel Martinelli appeared to give Arsenal the lead 20 minutes in, but his effort was ruled out for offside, silencing the jubilant home crowd.

Early in the second half, Bruno Fernandes showcased his trademark finesse, converting a superb assist from Alejandro Garnacho to beat David Raya just eight minutes after the restart.

However, the tide turned with 30 minutes left when Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card, reducing United to 10 men. Arsenal capitalised on the numerical advantage shortly after, with Gabriel Magalhães smashing home the equaliser.

Arsenal were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Kai Havertz won a penalty, but Altay Bayındır denied Martin Ødegaard from the spot with a crucial save.

With neither team able to find a winner in regulation time, the match headed into extra time. Despite Arsenal’s attacking efforts, United’s resolute defending kept the score level, setting the stage for a penalty shootout.

United’s players were clinical, converting all five of their penalties, while Bayındır cemented his hero status by saving Havertz’s effort. The 5-4 shootout victory secured Manchester United’s progression to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Amorim must be given “credit” for change after Dalot’s red card

With United 1-0 up at the Emirates, many thought the club had the chance to cruise to victory, but Dalot’s silly red card with half an hour to play shattered these hopes, and Arsenal’s equalising goal had fans fearing the worst.

However, Amorim chose to throw Amad on in reaction to the red card. Putting an attacker on after a defender has been sent off is no doubt a bold choice, but it worked to perfection.

“We have got to give Ruben Amorim credit,” former Manchester City player Micah Richards said on the BBC in reaction to the result.

“After getting Diogo Dalot sent off, they could have folded, but they showed courage and passion.”

Amad was essential to help United see out the draw, offering the side a fantastic outlet while also clearing the ball on multiple occasions, helping defend Arsenal’s overloads in the wide areas.

Next up, United will face Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup, when former striker and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will return to Old Trafford in mid-February.

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