PAUL SCHOLES QUESTIONS AMORIM DECISIONS
Paul Scholes does not believe Manchester United made a mistake in appointing Ruben Amorim, but he admits the manager’s head could be “fried” after just a few months in charge. Amorim, who arrived from Sporting Lisbon during the November international break, has struggled to turn things around at Old Trafford, with United sitting 13th in the Premier League.
The Portuguese coach immediately introduced his preferred 3-4-3 system, which brought him success in Portugal, but he has been forced to adapt due to an ill-suited squad. Amorim warned early on that a “storm” was coming, and as results have failed to improve, he is likely counting down to the summer transfer window to rebuild the team.
In the meantime, performances remain inconsistent, and Scholes pointed to Amorim’s team selection in last weekend’s match as evidence that he may be struggling. United’s January signing, Patrick Dorgu, a natural left wing-back, was deployed on the right, while Diogo Dalot continued on the left, raising questions about Amorim’s tactical decisions.
“Look, I’m not at the point where I’m thinking it’s the wrong decision [to appoint Amorim] because he’s come into a mess, and it still feels like a mess,” Scholes said on The Overlap. “But the league form, the way they’re playing now, and you talk about cup competitions—it’s a big concern. We’ve been crying out for a left wing-back, they buy one [Dorgu], and then his [Amorim’s] head seems a little fried because he plays him at right wing-back and keeps Dalot on the left. What’s going on here?”
Scholes believes United’s problems extend beyond formations and selections. He is concerned by the lack of a strong core in the squad, pointing out that several key positions require reinforcements. “There are a few things that are concerning. There’s a lot of stuff he needs to do, especially in transfer windows, but I don’t see a core of players,” he said. “I think a new goalkeeper is needed, possibly two centre-backs, two central midfield players, and two centre-forwards.”
The former United midfielder also expressed concern over the role of young talent Kobbie Mainoo, arguing that the club’s tactical approach is not helping his development. “I think Mainoo is lost. I talked about Declan Rice being lost before, and I think the same is happening here. He’s been played in a No.10 role, in a midfield two—it just doesn’t suit him. He’s a great footballer, but he’s not the greatest athlete. As a false nine? Never in a million years.”
Scholes believes that if United fail to establish a solid spine in the team, their struggles could worsen. “If they don’t get this right in the summer, this might sound ridiculous, but based on the form since this manager has come in, they could end up in a relegation fight,” he warned.
United brought in 20-year-old Dorgu and 18-year-old Ayden Heaven in January, but the real test will come in the summer when Amorim hopes to be backed by INEOS in the transfer market. Whether the Portuguese coach will have enough time to make the necessary changes remains to be seen.