Jamie Carragher has revealed what he believes is the biggest mistake Ruben Amorim has made since taking over from Man United.
After building a reputation as one of Europe's most promising young managers through his various successes at Sporting Lisbon, Amorim was appointed as Erik ten Hag's successor at Old Trafford in November.
The 39-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year contract upon arrival, with the club retaining an option to extend for a further 12 months.
Amorim was tasked with turning around United's fortunes after they slumped to their worst ever Premier League start, having won just three of their first nine games when Ten Hag was relieved of his duties.
The Portuguese got off to a mixed start, with a draw against Ipswich and a win over Everton, followed by successive league defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
United looked destined for a third successive league defeat when they trailed 1-0 against Man City before late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo secured an important win.
Just days after the derby win, Amorim selected a rotating squad for an EFL Cup quarter-final with Spurs, making five changes to the team that defeated City, a decision that Carragher said proved costly to United's momentum .
“Listen, if there is a new manager I think we have to cut him some slack,” the former Liverpool defender told Sky Sports.
'We understand that it is not easy. He comes in with a different system.
I think the only big mistake he made was the team he chose at Tottenham, and not necessarily the fact that it would win the cup.
'Manchester City's result meant they had to keep the momentum going.'
United would ultimately be eliminated from the competition in a dramatic match that was plagued by individual errors on both sides.
Ange Postecoglou's side looked comfortable taking a 3-0 lead before United staged a comeback, but were unable to capitalize on their initiative and lost 4-3.
Carragher continued: “You look at those results there and win some, lose some, you win the derby and the way they won it too was fantastic.
'The buzz of Manchester United fans in the stadium watching at home, they've beaten Pep Guardiola, the biggest rivals, and then you go to Tottenham.
'He didn't have to change the team that much, but it just had to continue.
'Then you look at where they are now, three defeats in a row, and it feels like they are in a very bad position.'
United went on to lose three consecutive Premier League games, leaving the club in fourteenth place heading into Monday's match against Newcastle.
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