
Rúben Amorim Regrets Making the Worse Decision Cost Manchester United Win
Rúben Amorim’s start to life as Manchester United manager has come under heavy scrutiny, with several of his tactical decisions contributing to poor results and dropped points. Among the most talked-about missteps are his persistent decisions to start Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho in roles that failed to benefit the team’s overall structure.
Starting Rasmus Højlund in recent games has become one of Amorim’s most questioned calls. Signed for £72 million with high expectations, Højlund has struggled to meet those demands under Amorim’s system. Since the manager’s arrival, Højlund has managed just two league goals, often finding himself isolated or misplaced in deeper positions that minimize his strengths. Rather than operating as a poacher in the box, Amorim’s tactics have seen him drop too far back, removing him from dangerous scoring areas. His frustration became evident in the Europa League, where he was seen openly reacting to a missed opportunity caused by a teammate’s poor decision. Despite these signs of disconnect, Amorim has kept him in the starting eleven without adjusting the approach, leading to games where United’s attack looked blunt and ineffective.
Equally troubling has been Amorim’s handling of Alejandro Garnacho. In matches where United needed creative spark and pace on the wings, Garnacho was either played too defensively or substituted early. One example came after Patrick Dorgu’s red card, when Amorim replaced Garnacho with a defensive player to hold the line. That substitution was viewed by fans as overly cautious and a surrender of attacking ambition. In another fixture, Garnacho showed visible displeasure when being subbed off again, raising concerns over man-management and player morale.
These decisions have not only affected individual performances but have had a larger impact on United’s ability to control games and secure wins. Amorim’s rigid tactical choices, especially with Højlund and Garnacho, have contributed to missed opportunities and lack of attacking rhythm.
As the season enters a crucial phase, Amorim will need to reevaluate his selections and tactical setups. The continued misuse of key players could further derail Manchester United’s ambitions, and unless changes are made quickly, more dropped points may follow.
Manchester United and Lyon played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final at the Groupama Stadium. Lyon struck early after a mistake from United goalkeeper André Onana, with Rayan Cherki setting up Georges Mikautadze to make it 1-0.
United hit back with goals from Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, showing their attacking threat. But Lyon weren’t done, and Malick Fofana grabbed a late equaliser to keep their strong home record against English sides intact.
The game had an extra edge after some pre-match tension between Onana and former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who now plays for Lyon. Both teams had standout performers, Bruno Fernandes impressed for United, while Cherki caused problems throughout for the home side.
United are still unbeaten in Europe this season, despite their struggles in the Premier League. Lyon, on the other hand, will be feeling confident going into the return leg at Old Trafford. With everything still to play for, this tie is finely poised heading into next week.
After the game here are three worst United players.
Andre Onana.
Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Lyon showed some clear issues, especially with André Onana. The goalkeeper made a big mistake that led to Lyon’s first goal, continuing the shaky form that’s made him a target for criticism. His confident pre-match claim that United were way better than Lyon didn’t help, especially after his performance.
Hojlund.
Rasmus Hojlund also had a tough night, missing key chances and struggling to link up with the rest of the attack. He looked out of rhythm at important moments.
Alejandro Garnacho showed his usual energy, but his decision-making let him down. He often chose to go it alone instead of playing in teammates. United will need more focus and maturity in the second leg at Old Trafford.
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