Gary Neville Critiques Ruben Amorim’s Tactics Following United’s Loss

Gary Neville has expressed serious concerns about the direction of Manchester United under head coach Ruben Amorim. Following a disappointing 3-1 loss to Brentford on October 7, 2023, Neville criticized the decision to position Mason Mount as a wing-back, labeling it “ridiculous.” This defeat marked United’s third in just six Premier League matches this season, raising alarms among fans and analysts alike.

The former United defender shared his thoughts on The Gary Neville Podcast, revealing his worries about the team’s performance and overall trajectory. He noted that the defeat at Brentford overshadowed the previous week’s victory against Chelsea, suggesting that the win was “skewed” due to a sending-off in that match. Neville pointed out that many supporters were optimistic about the potential for consecutive wins, especially with Sunderland set to visit Old Trafford next.

“The Brentford game was a really poor performance and a real worry,” Neville stated. He emphasized that the body language and demeanor of the players indicated a lack of confidence in the system employed by Amorim. He specifically recalled a moment from the match where Mount found himself playing at left wing-back, an arrangement he deemed unacceptable.

“You can’t put Mason Mount at left wing-back. I’m sorry, it just can’t happen,” Neville remarked, further elaborating on his discomfort with Mount’s placement. He expressed concern that the coach’s tactics were undermining the team’s potential, stating that consistent performance is essential for success.

Amorim’s record in the Premier League has been under scrutiny, with only nine wins across 33 games since his appointment. The manager has yet to achieve back-to-back victories, which is particularly alarming given the financial investment made by the club. As Neville pointed out, “The results are catastrophic, really, in Manchester United terms.”

Despite having a pre-season and a schedule that allowed for adequate preparation, Amorim’s squad has struggled to find form. The team’s performance against Brentford, coupled with the pressure of upcoming fixtures, raises the stakes for the club. Neville indicated that a victory against Sunderland is crucial for the club to regain momentum.

He warned that a poor result in the next match could lead to significant scrutiny of the ownership and the coach’s future. “If they were to be 14th, 15th or 16th in October, it’s not a one-off. It becomes a pattern and the manager comes under huge pressure,” he explained.

As Manchester United navigates a challenging start to the season, the spotlight remains on Amorim. The upcoming match against Sunderland will be pivotal, as fans and analysts alike await to see if the team can turn its fortunes around. With mounting expectations and pressure, United’s quest for stability continues.