Ruben Amorim has criticized Manchester United players for switching to a defensive system and reducing pressure, which allowed Fulham to secure a 1-1 draw in their Premier League Week 2 match. United managed just one point from their opening two games, a result that deeply displeased the Red Devils manager. He noted numerous errors from the midfield and a lack of opportunities to deliver passes to the attack.
The 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage left Amorim dissatisfied with his team’s performance, which he felt was a regression from their strong showing against Arsenal. Defender Leny Yoro put United ahead in the 58th minute of the second half, after captain Bruno Fernandes missed an 11-meter penalty in the first.
However, Emile Smith Rowe, coming on as a substitute, netted an equalizer for hosts Fulham just three minutes after his introduction. After levelling the score, Fulham intensified their attack, putting significant pressure on the visiting Man Utd, ultimately ending the match in a 1-1 stalemate.
Amorim, the Red Devils’ manager, expressed profound disappointment as the team continued to face unfavorable results. He explicitly blamed his players for attempting to defend rather than maintain pressure on the opponent after taking the lead. “We wanted to win too much; once we scored, we forgot how to continue playing,” stated the Portuguese coach with a look of regret.
Amorim further admonished his players, emphasizing: “When we completely change our system after scoring, everyone thinks we need to defend to secure the win. But for me, that’s when we should be enjoying ourselves and building momentum to press the opponent even harder. Instead, we chased and covered too aggressively, creating mistakes and significant space for the opponent.”
New attacking players Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko are still awaiting their first goals for the club, having had limited finishing opportunities against Fulham compared to their match against Arsenal. The midfield also struggled defensively and failed to create good chances during the Fulham game.
Following a 1-0 opening-day loss to Arsenal at Old Trafford, the draw at Craven Cottage continues a frustrating start for the Red Devils, who have now secured only one point from two matches. The team is now preparing for an EFL Cup fixture against League Two side Grimsby Town on August 27.
