Ruben Amorim has hit back at Gary Neville’s persistent criticism of his managerial approach following Manchester United’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City on Sunday. The game ended without a goal, leaving United in 13th place in the Premier League with just 38 points, while Manchester City remained in the hunt for a Champions League spot, sitting fifth with 52 points.
Following the stalemate, Neville, a former Manchester United legend and current pundit, didn’t hold back in his critique. He expressed disappointment with United’s performance, especially given their recent struggles, and directed his criticism at the players and Amorim’s tactical approach. Neville pointed out that the team had reverted to a defensive “low block” strategy, which he felt mirrored the tactical setup used by previous managers like Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Erik ten Hag during their stints at the club. While he acknowledged that the formation might be necessary given the current squad, Neville still viewed it as a sign that the team was not progressing as expected.
Neville’s assessment was blunt: “From a United perspective, I get why he’s gone back into a low block,” he said, referencing the defensive setup employed by Amorim. He added, “But that’s what we’ve seen from Mourinho, Solskjaer, and Ten Hag. They all come in with the intention of playing high-press, high-energy football, but all end up going back to a low block in big games.” Neville also noted that Amorim’s tactical choices seemed to be limited by the lack of depth and quality in the current squad.
He was particularly critical of United’s attacking setup, which included Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes in the forward line. Neville suggested that with a more capable group of attacking players, the team could perform better. “They need five new players straight away before you even think about the rest of it,” he stated, going as far as claiming that even players no longer at the club like Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck, and Anthony Elanga would offer more than the current attackers.
In his response, Ruben Amorim did not shy away from defending his players or his tactics. The United manager, who is still navigating a difficult season, responded to Neville’s criticisms by acknowledging the tough situation the club is in. He stated, “I understand that Gary Neville is critical about everything. I understand that we are having the worst season in history.” Amorim reflected on Manchester City’s current struggles, despite their dominance in recent years, suggesting that even the best teams go through rough patches.
Amorim also emphasized the difference between managing Manchester United in their current state and managing a team that is consistently fighting for titles. “Manchester City won everything in the past, but this season they are struggling. So, we are not in the best of moments to give the best spectacle to fans,” he said. The United boss further clarified that the critical aspects of the game should be viewed through the lens of the club’s current situation, which is very different from the context of a team that is accustomed to competing for major trophies.
United’s challenges are far from over, and the team now faces a crucial period. With their league position unlikely to secure a spot in European competitions for next season, the Europa League has become a vital focus. The team is set to play Lyon in the quarter-finals of the competition, and Amorim’s squad will need to perform at their best if they are to secure a European berth through this route. The outcome of the upcoming Europa League matches could determine the success or failure of Amorim’s first season in charge at Old Trafford.
