Ruben Amorim: Lack of Quality Blamed for Nottingham Forest Loss

Early Set-Piece Woes Cost United

United fell behind in the opening two minutes when Nikola Milenkovic headed Forest in front, exposing their vulnerability from set-pieces for the third time in a week. This defensive fragility was also evident during their midweek loss to Arsenal.

Addressing the lack of organization on set-pieces, Amorim took responsibility:

“This is more my fault because I’m responsible,” he said. “We worked extensively on this after seeing similar issues against Arsenal. But it’s difficult when you concede so early.

“We managed to equalize and put some energy into the game. However, the same issues arose in the second half. We scored again, but it wasn’t the quality we needed. That lack of precision made it tough to turn things around.”

A Tough Start for Amorim

Amorim’s arrival hasn’t sparked the desired turnaround, with United’s performances lacking consistency and cohesion. Reflecting on the challenges, he compared his current situation to his early days at Sporting CP:

“At Sporting, I experienced similar difficulties at the beginning. The pressure here is magnified because it’s Manchester United, but for me, the approach remains the same.

“These things happen at many clubs, especially during transitions. We must stay focused, continue our work, and improve step by step. With time, the results will come.”

Sky Sports Analysis: Errors and Inconsistencies

Sky Sports analyst Adam Bate noted that Amorim’s tactical changes have brought a shift in style but also exposed vulnerabilities.

“Amorim has introduced a more patient approach, altering the team’s formation and philosophy. While possession stats improved, with United holding 71.6% of the ball—something achieved only once under Erik ten Hag—it didn’t translate into creativity or control.

“There was noticeable hesitancy in the team, particularly as they chased the game late on. The absence of Bruno Fernandes, who was substituted, highlighted a troubling lack of creativity. Meanwhile, Forest, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, executed effective game management, leaving United struggling to capitalize.”

Bate also pointed to defensive errors as a recurring issue:

“Amorim envisions a team that can dominate possession confidently, as seen in the first goal when Matthijs de Ligt’s incisive pass initiated a promising move. But the subsequent mistakes underscored the fragility of this squad. Turning United into a cohesive, resilient side will require time and patience.”

Building Confidence Amid Challenges

Amorim acknowledged the psychological hurdles his players face, particularly in high-pressure situations:

“When you sense doubt among the players and the fans, it becomes challenging to inspire confidence. My focus is on ensuring the team believes in their abilities and sticks to our game plan.

“This is a process. The key is to remain consistent in our approach, learn from each match, and grow as a unit. These setbacks, while frustrating, are part of the journey.”

The Road Ahead: Manchester Derby Looms

United’s next Premier League fixture is a daunting one: the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium. Amorim faces the challenge of preparing his team to face Pep Guardiola’s high-flying Manchester City while addressing the glaring defensive and creative shortcomings.

Amorim remains optimistic but realistic about the work required:

“This job will take time, and we must be patient. The derby is a massive test, but it’s also an opportunity for us to prove our mettle and show that we’re progressing.”

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United project is in its infancy, and the early results reflect the difficulties of managing a team in transition. With a lack of quality in key moments and a fragile defensive structure, United have a long road ahead. However, Amorim’s belief in his process and his team’s potential will be crucial as they navigate these challenges, starting with the high-stakes Manchester derby.