Rúben Amorim has been slammed for his use of one Manchester United star amid the possibility he could leave Old Trafford this summer.
Manchester United have taken four wins from their last seven matches, showing signs of momentum as the one-year mark of Rúben Amorim’s tenure approaches.
They are seventh in the Premier League, level on points with Tottenham in fifth, while Sunderland sit a point ahead in fourth and Chelsea are in third, two points in front of the Old Trafford side.
A difficult opening to the campaign included defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as a Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town in the second round, but Amorim’s squad now seem to be building rhythm and cohesion. Defensive frailty is still a concern, though.
Despite having the fourth-highest goal tally in the league behind Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, United have scored 19 and conceded 18, leaving them with a slim goal difference of +1.
Amorim slammed for “joke” Maguire trend
In the year since Amorim was appointed United boss, he has played a back-three system with his defenders, and on many occasions, has substituted at least one of them. This has drawn extensive criticism, with his use of Harry Maguire a particular highlight.
Maguire has been used as a starter, substitute, and auxiliary striker over the past year. However, former United chief scout Mick Brown believes that it’s a laughable joke that if Amorim is using the “quality” player so often from the bench to shore up games, the head coach may as well start the player.
“I have to laugh really, it’s almost becoming a joke,” Brown told Football Insider. “We’ve seen it in plenty of games this season, when things are getting tough for Man United, what does he do? He turns to the bench, and brings on Harry Maguire to sure things up at the back.
“Now that’s fine, I have no issue with making defensive changes if you’re trying to hang on to a result.
“The problem is, if you think ‘we need to be more solid, let’s bring on Maguire’, it just begs the question about why he isn’t starting games in the first place.
“Amorim thinks Maguire’s good enough to make a difference to the team when they’re struggling, so why not play him from the start?”
Maguire’s future is in the air
Further, Brown chose to explain he feels this could have a signifiacnt impact on the player’s future at United, as his current contract is set to expire once the campaign ends in June 2026.
Continuing on Maguire’s inconsistent minutes, Brown said: “That obviously then has an impact on his future, because why would he want to stick around if they’re not recognising his value to the team?
“He’s more than good enough to start regularly at this level, and he knows that, so I think he’ll be considering his future and what other options he might have.
“When he comes to the end of his contract, if it’s a choice between being a bit-part player at United and a regular player somewhere else, it’s definitely going to be a big decision.”
While Maguire has been a fantastic option for Amorim in both boxes across the last year, his injuries must also be considered.
The veteran centre-back has suffered a fair share of minor injuries in the past few seasons, which have prevented him from playing consistently, leading to doubts about his long-term suitability.
While Maguire could be retained at United as a figurehead and leader within the squad, a consideration must be made that Casemiro’s current deal is also set to expire, and he is arguably a more important player for Amorim, who can provide the same level of leadership, but with a greater skill-set.
Casemiro would only be handed a new deal on the condition that he takes a signifiacnt wage cut, so United may want to see if the Brazilian will stay or not before turning to Maguire about a possible renewal.
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