Jamie Carragher has warned Ruben Amorim what could make Manchester United "change the manager" as pressure builds on the Portuguese coach.
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United continue to be in dire straitsNewcastle thumping has put Amorim under more pressureQuestions are being asked about the manager's methodsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! đ˘đąWHAT HAPPENED?
The 40-year-old, who had earned widespread praise for his success at Sporting CP, was tasked with steering United out of a dismal run. But just six months into his tenure, the situation remains grim. United find themselves languishing in 14th place in the Premier League standings and are coming off a crushing 4-1 defeat to Newcastle, their 14th league loss of the season. With domestic hopes all but dashed, United's season now hinges on their Europa League campaign.
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One of the central points of contention during Amorim's stint has been his unwavering loyalty to a three-at-the-back tactical setup. The formation, which brought him acclaim in Portugal, has yet to translate into consistent success in England. January signing Patrick Dorgu was brought in to bolster the wing-back position, but Unitedâs attackers have failed to thrive within the system. Calls for tactical flexibility have grown louder, especially given the teamâs continued poor results. But not everyone agrees with that advice.
WHAT CARRAGHER SAID
Former Liverpool defender and prominent pundit Carragher has cautioned against pressuring Amorim to abandon his footballing philosophy. He insisted that if United brought Amorim on board knowing his reliance on a back-three, it would make little sense to ask him to abandon it now.
âIt took a bit of time, obviously, for the system,â Carragher said on . âPeople are still yet to be convinced by that, is that the right decision? Not actually from him, by the club for employing him because he came with that system, thatâs his DNA. People keep saying, âoh, heâs got to change the system.â
âI donât really see it like that because his whole managerial career and the success that heâs had has been based on that system, thatâs what he knows. If he goes to something else, they might as well change the manager.â
DID YOU KNOW?
Carragher also emphasized the challenging context surrounding Amorimâs appointment and believes that the manager should be the last person to be blamed for the mess United find themselves in.
âI think Amorim is probably at the end of that queue if you like. Youâd have to look at the ownership and the players there. Heâs going into a really difficult situation," he said.
âWe have to remember he didnât want to take the job right away. He wanted to come in the summer. In a pre-season, but the results that heâs got theyâre still not good enough. We know for Man United, weâre not expecting them to win every week, we know theyâre not a top team, but they shouldnât be where they are in the league table, even with the players that theyâve got."