Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has been criticised for his methods during matches by a former Red Devils player as he struggles to revive their fortunes
Ruben Amorim has been cautioned that he’s setting Manchester United up to fail by repeatedly rotating his defence. The Portuguese manager has faced criticism during the early weeks of this campaign as he attempts to resurrect United’s prospects following a dismal 15th-place finish in the Premier League last term.
Club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has claimed the former Sporting boss will be afforded three years to demonstrate his worth at Old Trafford, despite United managing only three victories from seven games so far this season. However, former United keeper Ben Foster has challenged Amorim‘s tactical methods, especially his tendency to regularly withdraw centre-backs during matches.
The ex-England and Wrexham goalkeeper reckons substituting defenders who aren’t even injured has harmed the club, emphasising that United haven’t been sufficiently in control during games to take such chances.
Speaking during an appearance on talkSPORT, Foster said: “You need a solid base as a football team to really get consistency. When you’re constantly chopping and changing, not only the centre-backs, but the goalkeepers as well, it just sets you up for failure.
“You can’t change your centre-back at 60 minutes. You need them to play the whole 90 minutes. It’s fine if you’re two or three-nil up at that point, you can bring somebody on. But Man United don’t have that luxury. Up until the 90th minute in games, they’re fighting or trying to hold on to a lead or or get back into the game.”
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Foster isn’t the only ex-United star to question Amorim’s tendency for unnecessary defensive switches. Rio Ferdinand also believes the changing of the backline is not helping United’s cause.
Speaking on his podcast Rio Presents, Ferdinand expressed his frustration at Amorim’s constant substitutions in defence. He posted a clip of the podcast on X with the caption: “Why do we keep changing our centre backs during the game?! I WOULD HAVE HATED THIS!”
Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag in November last year and his tenure has proved challenging so far. He’s achieved victory in less than a third of their Premier League outings and presided over United’s most disappointing campaign on record last term.
United spent more than £200million on fresh talent during the summer transfer window, primarily bolstering their attacking options. Yet their form has remained patchy and they find themselves languishing in mid-table, with Amorim continuing to face intense pressure.
He’s faced relentless scrutiny over his rigid tactical approach, prompting widespread doubts about his suitability for the role. However, Amorim still has support from United’s hierarchy after Ratcliffe defended him during an appearance on The Times’ Business podcast, urging for patience.
The Ineos chief said: “Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be. The press, sometimes I don’t understand. They want overnight success.
“They think it’s a light switch. You know, you flick a switch and it’s all going to be roses tomorrow. You can’t run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week.”
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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