Manchester United

Amorim Plans Talk with Garnacho Over Substitution Reaction

Published

3 hours ago

February 27, 2025

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim intends to have a conversation with Alejandro Garnacho following the winger’s reaction to being substituted during United’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich.

Garnacho was taken off two minutes before halftime after Patrick Dorgu received a red card, with Noussair Mazraoui replacing him. The Argentina international walked straight down the touchline to the dressing room instead of taking a seat on the bench. Heavy rain at Old Trafford may have played a role in his decision, as he appeared to signal that he wanted to remove his soaked shirt. It remains unclear whether he returned to watch the second half.

“I will speak to Garnacho about that,” Amorim stated.

Previous Discipline Issues

The 20-year-old has previously faced disciplinary action at United. In December, he and Marcus Rashford were dropped from the squad for the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium due to concerns over their training performance and attitude. While Rashford, now on loan at Aston Villa, has not played for United since, Garnacho quickly returned to first-team action.

Dismissing any link between the two incidents, Amorim said, “You’re making a connection with Rashford, but it was simply cold and wet.”

Tactical Decision Behind Substitution

The decision to replace Garnacho was purely tactical. Following Dorgu’s red card, Amorim opted to maintain a defensive setup by switching to a 5-3-1 formation. He acknowledged that taking Garnacho off was a tough choice given the winger’s ability to exploit one-on-one situations with his pace.

“We had to remove someone, and I made that call,” Amorim explained.

A Challenging Week at United

This victory comes amid a difficult period at the club, with recent announcements of job cuts affecting staff morale. Chief Executive Omar Berrada confirmed that up to 200 positions could be eliminated over the next four months. Understandably, this has left employees feeling disheartened.

Despite the win, it offered little solace to those directly impacted by the off-field turbulence. Moreover, beating a struggling Ipswich side at home is unlikely to be remembered as a significant moment in United’s season. However, the manner of the win—bouncing back from an early defensive lapse, then responding again after being reduced to 10 men—was well received by the fans.

“The supporters were incredible,” Amorim remarked. “They want to see us fight until the end, and we did that today. Despite everything going against us, we persevered. The connection with the fans is strong.”

United’s Struggles and Future Prospects

United’s performances have been under intense scrutiny, with results playing a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the club’s ongoing changes. Some senior figures acknowledge that the team’s struggles have compounded frustrations about the restructuring, but they maintain confidence in Amorim’s long-term vision.

During this match, Ipswich fans didn’t hold back in their criticism, taunting United with chants that questioned their quality. It was a valid point—United, expected to be competing for major honors, currently sit in 14th place and are far from Champions League contention.

Despite this, the club’s leadership remains steadfast in their belief that Amorim needs time to implement his system. They argue that another managerial change would only continue the cycle of instability that has plagued the club for years.

However, even Amorim admitted that United’s recent performances, such as the gritty FA Cup win at Arsenal and the hard-fought draw against Liverpool, have not showcased the style of play he envisions.

“We’re surviving right now, but it’s difficult for me to watch us sit back so much. The players feel comfortable in a low block, but that’s not the football I want us to play,” Amorim said.

Looking Ahead

United have now gone two Premier League matches without defeat, matching their best run under Amorim. Climbing to 14th in the table, they remain nine points adrift of the top half and a distant 13 points from a Champions League spot.

No one at Old Trafford expects a miraculous turnaround before the end of the season. However, there is optimism that results can improve. Their upcoming FA Cup fifth-round clash against Fulham and Europa League last-16 tie against Real Sociedad will be crucial in keeping European qualification hopes alive. Dorgu, suspended for the Fulham match, will be unavailable.

The Spotlight on United

Being associated with Manchester United means every action—on or off the pitch—faces immense scrutiny. This week’s cost-cutting measures have sparked debate, with some pointing out that many companies don’t provide free staff lunches, yet the club’s financial decisions have drawn widespread attention.

United’s global status ensures constant focus, whether for financial matters or on-field performances. While the victory over Ipswich provided some relief, the discussion surrounding the game will likely center on Dorgu’s red card and United’s defensive mix-up that led to the opening goal rather than the result itself.

“When that mistake happened, everyone thought, ‘Here we go again,’” Amorim admitted.

Regarding Dorgu’s dismissal, the coach defended his player, saying, “There was no intent to harm. Sometimes, you just go in too strong.”

Conclusion

Amorim’s fourth home Premier League win as United boss came with plenty of drama, but it will take more than one gritty victory to lift the dark clouds lingering over Old Trafford. The focus remains on long-term improvements as United navigate a turbulent season

Manchester United

Manchester United Face Injury Crisis with Eight Key Players Missing for Ipswich Town Clash

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Manchester United’s injury woes have intensified ahead of their home clash with Ipswich Town on Wednesday night, with the team set to be without eight players for the match. Manager Ruben Amorim is facing a growing crisis as several key players remain sidelined, further challenging United’s depth.

Having gone three matches without a Premier League win, United are desperate to return to winning ways against Ipswich. However, Amorim will have to navigate this crucial game with a depleted squad, as the injuries continue to mount.

The team drew 2-2 with Everton in their last outing, despite missing several key figures. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Amorim confirmed that no players would be returning from injury for the Ipswich game, leaving United with limited options.

The list of absentees includes Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, and Toby Collyer, all of whom are still unfit to feature. In addition, Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martinez are out for the remainder of the season due to long-term injuries.

There are also growing concerns over Noussair Mazraoui, who sustained a knee injury during the Everton match. This leaves Amorim in a difficult position, possibly having to rely on academy players to fill out the bench once again.

In recent matches against Everton and Tottenham, Amorim has included young players such as Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass, Sekou Kone, Chido Obi-Martin, and Elyh Harrison on his substitute bench.

“Toby Collyer is getting closer, but he’s not ready yet. Kobbie Mainoo is making progress, but we have to adapt and make do with the players we have available for the match schedule,” said Amorim.

Despite the challenges, Amorim remains hopeful for the Ipswich game. He drew optimism from United’s spirited second-half comeback against Everton, which saw Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte both score to secure a 2-2 draw.

When asked about his motivational approach in the second half, Amorim explained, “I told the players to keep playing the same way. During the week, I saw a different energy, and we stuck with our approach. It was all about belief and focus on the details—like controlling the ball and winning the second balls. Everyone was aware of Everton’s strengths, and we proved that we could improve in the second half by playing with better energy and fight.”

With the injury crisis mounting, Ruben Amorim will need to find a way to inspire his depleted squad as they prepare to face Ipswich Town under challenging circumstances.

Manchester United

Manchester United Eye Shock Return for Paul Pogba with Short-Term Deal on Offer

Published

2 days ago

February 25, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Manchester United are reportedly considering a bold move to bring Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford for a third stint, as the club battles a series of injury setbacks in the midfield.

With Kobbie Mainoo sidelined due to a calf injury and Mason Mount struggling to overcome a string of fitness issues since his summer move from Chelsea, United’s midfield options are severely limited. Additionally, Christian Eriksen, who is expected to depart when his contract expires this summer, has struggled for form, while promising young talent Toby Collyer is also injured.

Currently, Manchester United are facing one of their worst-ever Premier League campaigns, and their form has led to concerns over a potential relegation-level finish. Reports suggest that manager Ruben Amorim is actively seeking short-term solutions to inject some fresh energy and stability into the team’s midfield.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Pogba, who is free after his contract with Juventus was terminated following a doping ban, is being considered by United. The club is reportedly weighing up the possibility of offering the French World Cup winner a one-year deal with a lower base salary, structured around performance-based bonuses. This arrangement would minimize risk while providing a potential boost to the squad.

However, the deal would still carry risks for United, as Pogba has been largely inactive since leaving the club. His last appearance for Juventus was in September 2023, in a brief cameo off the bench during a Serie A win against Empoli. Since his departure from Manchester United, Pogba has only played 12 professional matches, and his second spell at Juventus saw him start just one league game.

Pogba began his professional career at United, making just three league appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson before leaving for Juventus in 2012 on a free transfer. At Juventus, he developed into one of the world’s top midfielders, amassing 178 appearances and winning four Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia trophies, and two Supercoppa Italiana titles, alongside reaching the 2015 Champions League final.

He returned to Manchester United in 2016 for a then-record £89.3 million transfer, but his time back at Old Trafford was marred by inconsistency and injuries. Despite this, he contributed to United’s Europa League and Carabao Cup successes under Jose Mourinho and was named to the PFA Team of the Year in 2019 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, showcasing his immense talent in flashes.

If United can reignite Pogba’s best form, it would be a remarkable move, offering a talented player on a lower-risk, high-reward contract. However, given his injury history and lack of recent match fitness, bringing Pogba back could represent a significant gamble for manager Ruben Amorim and the club.

Manchester United

Ruben Amorim Responds to VAR Controversy After Penalty Incident in Everton Draw

Published

4 days ago

February 23, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Everton on Saturday at Goodison Park ended with a controversial VAR decision that could have seen the Red Devils concede a late penalty. Although the result left United with a point, the aftermath of the match raised plenty of questions, particularly for manager Ruben Amorim.

United found themselves 2-0 down at the break, but a second-half revival saw Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte score to level the game. However, in the dying moments, Everton were awarded a penalty when Ashley Young was brought down by Harry Maguire. The referee initially pointed to the spot, but a VAR review overturned the decision.

The draw left Manchester United sitting in 15th place in the Premier League, just ahead of West Ham. With a midweek home fixture against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, they have an opportunity to build on the positive aspects of the comeback.

Amorim’s Take on the VAR Decision

Ruben Amorim, speaking after the match, agreed with the VAR decision, stating that he believed the penalty call was too soft. “No, I don’t think it was a penalty. From what I saw, it was a soft touch. If we ignore the first half, it was a good point for us, but we needed the three points,” Amorim explained.

Rio Ferdinand’s Surprise at the Call

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, however, expressed surprise at the overturn. “I saw the referee go over to the monitor, and I thought, ‘this could go either way.’ Honestly, I was expecting it to be given,” Ferdinand admitted. He pointed out that Maguire’s arms were around Young’s waist, which could have influenced the referee’s initial decision.

Alan Shearer Critiques VAR’s Angle

Alan Shearer weighed in on the controversy, agreeing with golfer Lee Westwood, who questioned why the best angle of the incident wasn’t shown to the referee. “Why wasn’t the best angle of the shirt pull shown to the referee?” Westwood had posted on social media, and Shearer echoed the sentiment, suggesting that the VAR review might not have provided the clearest view.

Ally McCoist’s Mixed Opinion

Ally McCoist, who was commentating for TNT Sports, was also taken aback by the final decision. “I can see why it wasn’t given, but I would have given it. There was definitely enough of a tug on him,” McCoist remarked, acknowledging the uncertainty around the decision.

Keith Hackett Critiques VAR’s Intervention

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett also weighed in on the VAR controversy, arguing that the on-field referee, Andy Madley, had made the correct decision to award the penalty. “Madley made the right call. Why should VAR intervene and convince him to change his decision? It’s a farce when good decisions are overturned by VAR,” Hackett told Football Insider. He further criticized the decision, stating, “Andy, you were right, and VAR should have stayed out of it.”

The debate continues to stir discussion among pundits and fans alike, with no clear consensus on whether the penalty should have been awarded or not. For United, the focus now shifts to their upcoming fixture, hoping to build on their hard-earned point.