Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim could not hide his frustration following a crushing 3-1 home defeat to Brighton, as he openly criticized his players for straying from their designated positions during the match. The Portuguese coach, who remains committed to his 3-4-3 formation, emphasized the importance of discipline and sticking to the system, especially during a challenging period for the team.
Amorim has been steadfast in implementing his tactical philosophy, but he admitted that it has been a difficult process, particularly given United’s poor run of form. “I knew introducing a new idea would be tough, but when you’re not winning and lose three games in a row, it becomes even harder,” he said. Despite the struggles, Amorim is determined to stay the course.
“That’s why I tell the players we’re going to suffer because I’ll keep pushing this system. I’m giving them the tools to succeed, but they need to maintain their positions and trust in the approach.”
Against Brighton, United’s inability to adapt to Amorim’s system was evident. The team struggled to create chances, managing only one shot on target—a Bruno Fernandes penalty. Amorim acknowledged the adjustment period but refused to compromise his vision. “If I wanted to impress the media or fans, I’d play with two strikers,” he said.
“But I didn’t because it would make it harder for the players to understand the way we play. My role is to help them, but we need to own up to our mistakes and take responsibility for breaking bad records.”
The defeat marked United’s tenth loss in 22 Premier League matches, further underscoring the urgency for improvement. Amorim highlighted a critical moment in the game when Brighton scored through a well-known tactic. “We need to be completely focused during matches, but sometimes I feel the team is distracted by other things,” he said. “It was a simple play that we had prepared for, yet we still failed to execute.”
Amorim stressed the importance of hard work and resilience as the keys to turning the season around. “The only way to change this is to work relentlessly, win games, and create time to implement new ideas. We need to bounce back from setbacks with more determination,” he explained.
The defeat not only deepens United’s struggles but also highlights the growing pressure on Amorim to deliver results. While he remains committed to his long-term vision, the manager faces the daunting task of instilling discipline and focus in a team that has so far failed to rise to the challenge.
