Ruben Amorim has been trying to implement a new playing style at Manchester United, shifting the team towards a more patient approach and tweaking their formation. Despite having more possession in their 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest, the result was a significant setback, as the team lacked creativity and belief during the latter stages of the match. United controlled 71.6% of possession, a statistic they had only reached once before under Erik ten Hag, during a defeat to Crystal Palace. However, the challenge of breaking down Forest’s low block left the team struggling to convert possession into meaningful chances, especially after Bruno Fernandes was substituted.
Amorim highlighted the first goal as a positive example of his vision, where Matthijs de Ligt’s precise pass initiated a move that ultimately led to a goal. The play illustrated that United could dominate the ball with confidence, though they often hesitated to take risks, particularly late in the match. Amorim noted that the players seemed overly cautious, trying to avoid making sloppy passes instead of being brave enough to push forward against low defensive blocks. “They are trying to reach the perfect solution,” Amorim said, acknowledging that this is just the beginning of his managerial journey at United.
The team’s fragility was also evident in individual errors, such as André Onana’s blunder that led to Forest’s second goal. Amorim’s challenge is to restore confidence in the players and iron out these mistakes. He acknowledged that this process will take time, and the team’s next match, a high-pressure Manchester derby, will present another tough test.
Despite the loss, Amorim remains focused on instilling a culture of improvement and patience. The team’s performance may not be there yet, but Amorim is optimistic that with time and consistent effort, Manchester United can regain their form and start fulfilling their potential under his leadership.
