The comeback of Manchester United at Goodison only paper over the cracks.
For 70 minutes they were devoid of ideas with the ball and unable – or not prepared – to defensively follow the game plan of the head coach.
Ruben Amorim is only lucky in two respects.
First, because the promoted teams from last season Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich are so bad, United are not in serious relegation, because they would be in a normal season.
And secondly, he has Bruno Fernandes in his team – the only player who seems to be able to crest or score to give United a chance to tackle points.
Still, if they keep playing that rest of the season, the head coach will come under pressure.
As regular readers will know, I was never convinced that Erik ten Hag was the answer, so it says something that, since Amorim has walked into the door, United has run back instead of advanced. He has been to Old Trafford long enough that we should see something.
Everton was very good with Goodison de Bearpit of yesteryear. But it does not apologize for the shortcomings of the visitors.
They were miles and so easy to play against. They constantly tried to play from behind, even though they continued to lose it that way – no variation on the game plan.
The players of United were confused. It was difficult to know if they didn't understand what the manager wanted from or did not agree.
I suspect we are at the stage where both it is. They go on the field with a negative prospect because the results do not convince them the 3-4-3 and Amorim-Ball is the right way ahead.
Anyway, they are not on board and so many struggle individually, especially Rasmus Hojlund.
And they did not pick up Everton's players, including Wide.
If it was not for a mistake by Jordan Pickford on 2-0, they would have left MerseSide exactly what they deserved – nothing.
The lack of intensity would have been alarming if I had been connected to the club. It was insane at this level.
Too many players do not feel comfortable to be placed in order to fit positionally where they are instructed.
Three months after his united career, Amorim is already getting to Crisis Point. Something has to change and it must come from him.
Comments