“Shackles came off…” Rúben Amorim praised for game-changing Manchester United idea vs Southampton

Rúben Amorim has been praised for a game-changing idea that won Manchester United all three points against Southampton on Thursday evening.

Amad was the hero of the night for Manchester United, as the 22-year-old netted a sensational 12-minute hat-trick to secure a dramatic victory over Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday evening.

The first half saw United dominate possession, yet Southampton appeared the more dangerous side, forcing André Onana into several outstanding saves to keep the visitors at bay.

Alejandro Garnacho came close to scoring after 20 minutes, but it was Southampton who struck first, capitalising on another poorly defended corner to take the lead just before the break. It marked the fourth consecutive home game in which Rúben Amorim’s side found themselves trailing.

In the second half, Antony replaced Kobbie Mainoo, allowing Bruno Fernandes to drop deeper in midfield. Despite the tactical adjustment, United’s struggles in front of goal continued. Antony missed a golden opportunity to equalise from close range on the hour mark, much to the frustration of the Old Trafford faithful.

Just when defeat seemed inevitable, Amad stepped up to rescue United. With less than ten minutes on the clock, he smashed a powerful shot past Aaron Ramsdale to draw level. Moments later, he latched onto a pinpoint pass from Christian Eriksen, coolly slotting home to give United the lead in the dying minutes.

Amad sealed his unforgettable performance in stoppage time, displaying strength and determination to win the ball and complete his hat-trick. His late heroics made him the first United player to score a hat-trick since Cristiano Ronaldo in April 2022, earning Rúben Amorim’s men a crucial three points.

Amorim praised for game-changing idea

While Amad will quite rightly take the flowers for the ridiculous way he dragged United out from the mud at Old Trafford, former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen took the time to praise Amorim for a game-changing idea.

Amorim was quick to react in the second half once United continued to be poor, making three substitutions within ten minutes of the second 45 minutes, and this is an idea Meulensteen believed completely changed the game and helped lead to United’s win.

“You could feel it. The substitutions made a difference and the shackles come off and it allowed Amad to play further forward,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“That is the type of football you expect from Man United throughout the full game.”

Continuing, he remarked: “Ruben Amorim knew he had to do something.

“Joshua Zirkzee did really well and he pressed from the front. That puts everyone on the front foot behind those players.

“Amorim will be delighted with the win, but he will think how can we start games like this?”

More than anything, it was the addition of Zirkzee that sparked the game to life. It was a mistake to start Rasmus Højlund ahead of him, and there is little doubt that the Dutchman will play against Brighton.

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