Ahead of the clash with Bournemouth, Coach Amorim candidly identified the core issue preventing Manchester United from maintaining consistency throughout the recent phase of the season.
Ruben Amorim is gradually making his mark in the rebuilding process at Manchester United, and one of the Portuguese coach's top priorities right now is to enhance the team's defensive capabilities.
In recent matches, Manchester United has shown positive signs in the attacking department. The Red Devils have been scoring regularly and creating clear chances. However, this momentum is often halted by avoidable goals conceded. Amorim admitted that his team is paying a heavy price for just a few moments of lost focus, even though the opponents have not produced many dangerous shots.
According to the 1985-born strategist, Manchester United’s defensive system has seen some improvements. The number of shots faced in recent games has decreased, indicating better game control and defensive organization. Nevertheless, the issue lies in the quality of defending in specific situations. Whenever the opponent gets a chance, it is highly likely that Manchester United will concede, showing a lack of solidity and resilience in defense.
Amorim particularly emphasized the importance of pressing. He believes ineffective pressure from the forward lines forces the defense into a passive state. When the opposition has enough time and space to handle the ball, the risk of conceding increases significantly. Therefore, coordinated and disciplined pressing is the key for Manchester United to better protect their goal.
Besides tactical factors, psychological issues and concentration are also top priorities for Amorim. Conceding goals in the final minutes not only reflects technical shortcomings but also shows that Manchester United has yet to maintain focus for the entire 90 minutes. This is something the coaching staff is striving to improve because at the highest level of football, even a single lapse in attention can change the outcome of a match.
Looking ahead to upcoming matches, Amorim affirmed that Manchester United’s goal is not only to score more goals but also to keep more clean sheets. He believes that the balance between attack and defense is the decisive factor that will help the team win and gradually return to their rightful status. Therefore, the match against Bournemouth is not only a test of scoring ability but also a measure of the defensive progress under Ruben Amorim’s leadership.