Manchester United suffered their first defeat under new manager Ruben Amorim as they fell 2-0 to Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. Despite a solid defensive performance, the team struggled to create scoring chances against the Gunners’ well-organized defense.
Amorim’s frustration boiled over when his side failed to capitalize on possession in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes often isolated from his teammates. The Portuguese manager expressed his disappointment, citing limited training time and difficulty in breaking down defenses.
The defeat was largely expected, as Arsenal have been one of the top teams in the Premier League this season. United’s inability to create clear-cut chances, despite having four players ahead of Fernandes, was a major concern for Amorim.
The manager cited fitness as a key factor in his decision-making, with many players facing time limits due to injury concerns. This rotation has led to uncertainty during games, and Amorim acknowledged that it will take time to find the right balance.
Despite the defeat, Amorim’s long-term vision for the team is clear. He aims to develop a strong, well-balanced unit that can compete with the best teams in the league. With 15 games remaining before the end of February, United fans can expect more changes to the starting lineup as Amorim continues to rotate his squad to ensure optimal fitness and performance.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5970865/2024/12/05/ruben-amorim-manchester-united-changes