Former Premier League striker Emile Heskey has outlined a major problem in Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United squad this season.
Ruben Amorim’s tactics at Man Utd have been questioned this season.(Image: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manchester United’s lack of leaders in their squad is Ruben Amorim‘s biggest problem. That’s according to former Premier League striker Emile Heskey. United have had a disappointing start to the season, leading to questions on Amorim’s tactical approach.
The Reds sit 10th in the Premier League table, having won three, drawn one and lost three of their opening seven league games. They also crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town.
United did, however, come out as 2-0 winners over Sunderland in their last outing before October’s international break. It’s a result they will look to build on when the Premier League returns next weekend.
There has been a lot of talk around Amorim’s reluctance to move away from his 3-4-2-1 formation. But Heskey has instead picked out another problem within the United squad.
“Nothing seems to go right for Ruben Amorim,” he told Pundit Arena.
“Everyone keeps talking about the tactics, but when you put 11 players on the pitch, they’ve got to fight. Where’s your leaders? I remember playing at Liverpool, I was only 22 at the time, we had Gary McAllister and he would be on to us. Steven Gerrard was younger than me, he would be on to us, Sami Hyypia, too.
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“It doesn’t look like Man Utd have any leaders on the pitch, who are really digging people out.”
Bruno Fernandes is the club captain and has played all but three minutes of their Premier League matches so far this season. There has, however, been a lot of talk over his role in the team.
With summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha playing attacking roles, it means that Fernandes has been pushed back into a deeper position, where many think he is unable to give his best performances.
Speaking about his position ahead of Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland last week, he said: “I love playing football, whatever the position.
“They can put me at full-back, winger, or as goalkeeper. I’ll always give my best.
He added: “Everyone has their preferences. But we have to adapt to the coach’s ideas.”
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