“I have to…” Rúben Amorim slams Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United recruitment after Newcastle loss

Rúben Amorim has aimed a dig at the recruitment Manchester United saw under Erik ten Hag following his side’s loss against Newcastle in the Premier League.

Manchester United slumped to another disappointing defeat as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United claimed a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford on Monday evening, leaving Rúben Amorim’s side searching for answers.

With Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte unavailable due to suspension, Joshua Zirkzee was deployed in an advanced midfield role. However, the home side’s plans fell apart quickly as Alexander Isak nodded Newcastle into the lead just four minutes in.

Joelinton extended the visitors’ advantage in the 20th minute, heading in a second goal to compound United’s misery. In response, Amorim made an early tactical change, substituting Zirkzee for Kobbie Mainoo after just 33 minutes.

United improved after the break, showing more intent and energy, with Harry Maguire going closest to scoring when his header struck the post. Despite their renewed effort, the hosts failed to break down a well-organized Newcastle defense.

Eddie Howe’s side comfortably held on for the win, closing out the Premier League calendar year with a strong performance, while Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United were left to face the growing frustrations of their fanbase.

Amorim slams Ten Hag’s poor recruitment

Speaking after the game in his post-match press conference, Amorim was asked whether it may have been a better idea to instil a different philosophy that suit his players for this season and then change to his 3-4-3 in the summer, once he has time to train the players in pre-season.

However, Amorim completely shut down the question, explaining that the principles the players were used to under former manager Erik ten Hag had them losing anyway and that the recruitment the Dutchman oversaw during his tenure is part of why the side is struggling now.

“When you have a change of coach, especially in this type of club, it’s because they are not winning and they play specifically in the system they were bought for and choose perfectly for that system,” Amorim said.

“So, in that moment, with the idea with two years working in pre-seasons, they were losing. So I’m going to change for that system that I don’t believe to change things to win games? It doesn’t make sense.

“So I can understand your ideas. For me, it’s more simple than that. What I think is that, of course, if I think the players with right profile for each position, it will be different, but I have to start now this moment because this team was already in problems.

“So I have to teach what I know and that is my focus and I believe in that.”

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