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“I am trying to be careful with them. I felt the team was pushing for the goal and I felt I don’t want to change”- “Ruben Amorim Breaks Silence on ‘Cowardly’ Decision in Shocking Tottenham Defeat
Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has gotten off to a rough start, highlighted by a 1-0 defeat to fellow underperformers Tottenham Hotspur. The 40-year-old has faced intense criticism following the loss.
James Maddison scored the only goal in the north London clash, marking Amorim’s ninth defeat as United’s manager. Despite his reputation as one of the brightest young managers in football, the loss added to the pressure surrounding his position.
The absence of several key players – including Kobbie Mainoo, Amad, Manuel Ugarte, and Toby Collyer due to injuries, and Christian Eriksen sidelined by illness – left Amorim with limited options.
On the bench, Victor Lindelof was joined by a group of players, all under 20. Among them, 19-year-old Sekou Kone, signed from Mali’s Guidars FC, was the second oldest. Harry Amass, Chido Obi, Jack Fletcher, Elyh Harrison, Ayden Heaven, Tyler Fredricson, and Jack Moorhouse, none of whom had featured in a Premier League match, were also named as substitutes.
Despite trailing 1-0, Amorim waited until the 91st minute to make a substitution, bringing on 17-year-old Chido Obi for Casemiro during extra time. When questioned about his delay in making changes, Amorim explained that he wanted to be cautious with the young players and didn’t feel the need to alter the team while they were pushing for a goal. He said, “This is the hardest competition [the Premier League] in the world. I am trying to be careful with them. I felt the team was pushing for the goal and I didn’t feel the need to change.”
However, his decision not to involve more of the young players earlier didn’t sit well with fans. Many expressed frustration over his refusal to rely on the youth on the bench, with one supporter calling Amorim a “coward” for not making substitutions before the 90th minute, and another warning that his stubbornness could be his downfall. One fan noted, “I’m really disappointed in Amorim today, that was pathetic. You’ve got a bench full of academy players, some of which are genuinely ready to come on and make an impact, but you ignore them for 90 minutes while your team are a goal behind.”
Manchester United’s philosophy of “youth, courage, and success” was also questioned, with another fan commenting, “Youth, courage, success. And NOT trusting the young players on your bench is crazy work from any Manchester United manager.”
With United now 15th in the Premier League, just 12 points clear of the relegation zone, the pressure on Amorim continues to mount.
