Ruben Amorim has quickly defended his questionable substitutions, following his side’s disappointing 1-1 draw at home to West Ham United.
Manchester United looked to carry their Premier League momentum on from their fantastic away victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend as they hosted West Ham United, although the Reds fell short.
Ruben Amorim’s side struggled to break down a rigid Hammers outfit, which resulted in them squandering their narrow lead late in the game.
The Reds took the lead early in the second half through a Diogo Dalot strike, although this was later cancelled out by a Soungoutou Magassa goal in the 83rd minute.
Despite being on top for much of the game, United looked stale, which only worsened as the game continued. Amorim has quickly defended his questionable choice of substitutions following the fixture.
Amorim explains substitutions
During the Reds’ 1-1 draw with the Hammers, Amorim used all five substitutions, bringing on three defenders, a defensive midfielder, and Mason Mount.
When asked about his bench usage, the Portuguese coach said, via Laurie Whitwell on X, “Who would be more offensive? Bryan [Mbeumo] has a lot of pace to win the ball in transition, that was my idea.”
Amorim had already used up four of his subs by the time the Hammers equalised, and with only one sub left to use, he opted for Lisandro Martinez, as opposed to either Kobbie Mainoo or Shea Lacey.
The United manager also said, regarding regretting his substitutions, “No. We are losing because of the second balls. We have more men to put in the offense? Who? Who would be more offense?”
Second balls were an issue for the Reds throughout the fixture, though at some point you have to question whether it is a personnel issue or down to having only two players in their midfield.
Amorim continuing with his questionable decisions
One of United’s most significant issues since Amorim’s arrival is their inability to control games, even those against lesser opposition. Today was another prime and unfathomable example of this.
The team United are striving to be would have either killed the game off before it drifted away from them, or found a level of control that wouldn’t have required them to submit to transitional football, which commonly suits lesser opponents.
Amorim’s statement has a tinge of irony in it, as stating, “who would be more offensive?” implies a lack of firepower on his bench.
Although he may feel this is true, he had plenty of attackers in his starting XI, none of whom posed much threat to Alphonse Areola’s goal.
He also claimed that the teenager Lacey was ready, but then proceeded not to utilise him, while bringing on Ugarte over the talented Mainoo.
United will see this as another two points dropped, and Amorim will need to figure something out soon if he is to find a way to break down these teams that sit below the Reds in the table.
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