Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has criticized Ruben Amorim for failing to use three players properly this season.
The Premier League giants have struggled to perform this season as well.
Man United, led by Amorim, currently sit 11th in the league and their performance is attracting attention.
Speculation has even increased over Amorim’s future at Old Trafford following his team’s disappointing start to the season.
Rio Ferdinand criticizes Amorim’s decision-making
The former United defender suggested that while Amorim’s overarching ideas were sound, the allocation of individual roles was blunting the strengths of the club’s big names.
Ferdinand’s criticism begins with United’s attacking structure. In his view, some senior forwards are being asked to operate too often with their backs to goal rather than their shoulders, where their pace and diagonal running threaten the space behind them.
The ripple effects were felt everywhere, with the wingers too wide to compensate, the number 10 dropping deep to link play, and the counter-punch that was once United’s most dangerous weapon no longer meshed.
He told the Times: “Bruno (Fernandes) can play the deeper role that is required, but can he do it as well as he does when playing further up the pitch?”
“Why not put the most productive player in the Premier League in the best position?”
“People keep talking about the formation, but it’s also the details: Is Amad (Diallo) really a right wing-back?
“Lenny Yolo, right of the back three, has he really done it as a 19-year-old novice?”
“Nothing has happened within the team that makes me think, “I really believe in this right now.”
Amorim made things difficult for Manchester United players
Ferdinand’s assessment cuts to the heart of United’s problems under Amorim.
There is no doubting the talent and ability of the players, but they are being placed out of position and in roles to which they are not accustomed.
As a result, players lost their form and found it difficult to perform well.
Amorim is probably a bit too complex with his tactics and may not be keeping in mind the strengths and weaknesses of his players.
The manager has repeatedly expressed his desire to stick to his philosophy, but given the players at his disposal, the current approach is not the best fit for the club.
‘I’m really frustrated’ – Ruben Amorim dissatisfied with Manchester United’s senior star