Rúben Amorim has been told one of his benched Manchester United stars should be starting following a dismal 3-0 loss against Manchester City.
Manchester United recorded their third loss of the season as Manchester City dominated Rúben Amorim’s men with a 3-0 Premier League victory at the Etihad.
The match opened with early chances for Benjamin Šeško and Erling Haaland, but both teams looked unsettled. City soon found their rhythm, and Phil Foden gave the hosts the lead just before the 20th minute.
United searched for a way back but went into the break still trailing. After half-time, they started with energy, only to be undone when Haaland struck twice in quick succession to put the game beyond reach.
Bryan Mbeumo and Casemiro each saw opportunities to reduce the deficit, but neither could finish, leaving City to celebrate a comfortable derby win in the Manchester rain.
Maguire should be starting for United
So far this season, Matthijs de Ligt has been the man playing in the middle of Amorim’s back three, and for the most part, has performed well.
However, former United striker and club legend Wayne Rooney has offered a differing opinion, explaining that Harry Maguire should be playing instead, as he’s more of a leader in the squad.
“Harry should be starting,” Rooney said on his BBC show. “I heard Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink talking about it and how much England missed Harry Maguire at the Euros because he’s a leader.
“I’m sat there thinking how is he not playing with the three defenders who are playing. He should be in there. There’s a lack of leadership.”
Rooney and Keane agree on yellow card point
While many of the statistics from yesterday’s game highlighted United’s poor start to the season and Amorim’s record of winning eight of 31 Premier League fixtures in his tenure so far, it was also noted that not a single player received a yellow card across the 90 minutes.
This was another point that shocked Rooney. “At the Etihad, you can lose that game but I didn’t see a tackle – even when I goes to 2-0, 3-0. I didn’t see anyone say ‘do you know what, I’m not having this,’ and taking a yellow card or putting a tackle in,” he continued.
“That passion, that desire. It’s continuing and continuing. I want to be as positive and supportive as I can be on the manager and the players, but it’s very difficult to sit here and say we’re seeing a progression, at least we’re seeing things that will get results in the near future.”
Roy Keane agreed. The former United midfielder, known for his fight and passion while playing for United, was also shocked at the lack of aggression during the tie.
“Not one yellow card. The Manchester derby, it’s raining and set up for a few tackles,” Keane noted on Sky Sports after the full-time whistle.
“United [should] walk off the pitch! I am sick of repeating myself. It’s a derby game. You shouldn’t be able to get out of bed for a week, not one yellow card! Try tackling. Try hitting somebody. Football is a physical game.”
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