Two Manchester United stars have finally given what Rúben Amorim has been asking for, according to former Manchester City defender Micah Richards.
A Bryan Mbeumo brace and goals from Matheus Cunha and Casemiro sealed a 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday evening.
Having won their last three league games at Old Trafford, the visitors began confidently, battling for possession as Brighton tried to draw United’s press. Rúben Amorim’s Reds, meanwhile, stuck to a cautious long-ball approach.
United grew in belief as Brighton wobbled defensively, and after 20 minutes, Cunha put the hosts ahead. Casemiro then doubled the lead 15 minutes later with a deflected long-range strike. Early in the second half, Šeško controlled a long ball and set up Mbeumo for United’s third.
Former academy graduate Danny Welbeck pulled one back with a stunning free kick, before Charalampos Kostoulas headed in a corner late on to make it 3-2. However, Mbeumo struck again in stoppage time to secure all three points for United.
Two United stars finally gave Amorim what he needed, says Richards
Following the result, all the usual ex-player podcasts had their say on United’s performance, but for once, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Over the last 12 months, much of the focus on United has been on Amorim’s system and the instructions he gives his players. Still, speaking on The Rest is Football, former Man City defender Micah Richards believes two players in particular, Luke Shaw and Cunha, are giving Amorim what he needed.
Former United midfielder Michael Carrick spoke on Match of the Day about how Cunha and Shaw were often tucking into midfield to help with the numbers, and Richards pointed toward this analysis, saying it’s been what the club have been crying out for.
“What Manchester United have been crying out for is — if you’re going to play that system, be brave. And Luke Shaw was very brave in the way he stepped in, and then the goal came,” Richards said.
“If you look at Cunha’s positioning yesterday, he was filling in that midfield role. I watched [Michael Carrick on] Match of the Day and I thought — these are all the things I’ve been saying: if you’re going to play this way…
“And I’ve never said the system can’t work. A lot of people have said that, but I’ve always thought the system can work — I just didn’t think they were playing it in the right way, or had the right players to do it. That’s the first time I’ve been convinced they know exactly what their roles are.
“And I agree with Alan [Shearer] — now the challenge is consistency, that’s what it needs. And Mbeumo — give him time and space, he’s going to hurt you. I thought he played really well as well.”
Has Amorim been right all along?
Alan Shearer, co-host of The Rest is Football, also had some words about the system and what it will do to the side.
The former Newcastle striker explained that although the result will give Amorim a lot of confidence and the possibility of proving he was right all along in sticking with this 3-4-2-1, the side needs to keep the good run going.
“But yeah, that result — and the run they’re on — will give him huge confidence, and give everyone else belief that his system can work. He was right after all. Let’s see.
“I think, yeah, it’s a good result, but let’s see over the next month or so — that’s what’s really going to make the difference for them going forward. And with the last few results as well, you’ve got to say, well done to them.”
In the next few fixtures across November, United will face Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur away from home, before welcoming Everton to Old Trafford.
Then, the side will face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park before December rolls in. United have six Premier League fixtures in December, and will no doubt be tested, but four of said fixtures are at home, which will be huge for the club.
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