Gary Neville believes Ruben Amorim has set a blueprint for his way forward after undergoing a notable change in style this week. But Roy Keane remains unimpressed by the fact that they are “one of the worst teams in the league” without the ball.
For the first time in his tenure, Amorim markedly departed from the rigid 3-4-2-1 formation he had previously adhered to at Old Trafford and throughout his managerial career, showing a level of flexibility that had previously been a source of contention for Manchester United supporters.
After fielding a hybrid back four in Monday’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, United showed another improvement despite losing 2-1 to Aston Villa at Villa Park and deserved more than they got for the second game in a row.
speaking about Gary Neville Podcast“I thought it was a really good performance, but the detail of the two goals was sacrificed,” Neville said.
“Now, unless they have players like Harry Maguire or Matthias de Ligt who can make them much stronger, this will continue to happen.
“There are two things I have seen in the last two games. Firstly, the manager has changed. Certainly the system that he said he would never change – five or three (defense), two midfielders, two wing-backs and three up front – has been thrown out the window in the last two games. That is a good thing.
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WATCH FREE: Highlights from Aston Villa’s win over Manchester United in the Premier League
“I’m glad the manager is adapting to the outside conditions due to the AFCON situation, but I think there are factors that won’t allow him to continue playing like he did at home against West Ham and Everton.”
“Anything more than that will put the manager in a lot of trouble. More of what we saw between Bournemouth and Villa is that the manager will find work and allow him to create something, because you can build on what you saw here.
“Manchester United can still be in the top five and they have missed three or four chances in the last three weeks, but if they can get players back in AFCON and keep them fit, they can do something.”
“Ruben Amorim needs to approach it the way he has for the last five or six days. The system has been modified – more than modified – and I think (Mason) Mount, (Mateus) Cunha, (Bruno) Fernandes, (Benjamin) Cesco, (Bryan) Mbemo and Ahmad (Diallo) are on the pitch. Not all, but probably four or five of them. They will have a lot of influence on a lot of teams. It’s a problem.”
Keane: Manchester United still have one of the worst possession deficits in the league
Keane has been similarly impressed by Man Utd’s attacking ability, with Amorim’s side only outscored by Manchester City this season, but feels there are no excuses for their recent defeat, which was aided by two fine strikes from Morgan Rogers – their fifth defeat in 17 league games.
Leny Yoro was criticized for lacking the intensity in putting pressure on Rodgers after he first received the ball, cutting inside to produce a fine opener, while Keane was left frustrated by Diogo Dalot’s attempt to block his second cross.
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Aston Villa forward Morgan Rodgers cuts inside to score his second goal against Manchester United.
“You can have all the talent in the world, but you roll up your sleeves and when the game gets a little tight, you say you’re going to do your best for the team,” he said. Super Sunday. “This is not a tricky winger, he’s just a bit shaky. He looks as if he has a cross, which ends up being the winning goal.
“It’s not like someone is doing a big trick or running at him at real speed. You just get low and get into your stance. If you’re going to cross, they say you have to be outstandingly good.
“There are too many players who are not doing enough. Not just Dalot. In the last two games, United have conceded six goals. What are the chances? Newcastle are coming in a few days, they will come to Old Trafford and enjoy it, there will be runners.”
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Against Manchester United, Rodgers gave space to defenders and then scored with a screamer.
“This is the ugly part of football. We know you have the other parts too, but you have to do the ugly part. That’s what all the best teams do.
“But you can dig deep and play ugly and win, and you have to find a way to do that.
“A team without possession is one of the worst teams in the league. If you have the ball you are a good team, but if you want to be a top footballer it is what you do with possession that matters.
“Manchester United are happy to be punished for taking too many risks. I would like to see a team punished for taking risks and disappointing their team-mates and fans.”
