Ruben Amorim says Manchester United’s successful rearguard action with 10 men against Ipswich Town has reinforced the fact that his players are happiest defending deep, and has underlined the challenge he faces to implement his own style.
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Starting the second half at 2-2 and with a numerical disadvantage after Patrick Dorgu’s dismissal, Man Utd took the lead through Harry Maguire and then saw out the match resolutely to win 3-2.
Discussing the fact that his side looked more solid when sitting deep with 10 men, Amorim said: "I think that is clear, which is hard for me. So sometimes it's like you are fighting... When we are together, if we have players like Harry Maguire and Matthijs De Ligt defending the box, they are really strong, but when they have to cover a lot of space the game changes for them.
"I know that but I have to not just think about the now. Of course we have to survive, but it's really hard for me to play like we played in the second half. I feel like the players are more comfortable defending in a low block."
Amorim’s comments echo those of his predecessor Erik ten Hag in November 2023, when the Dutchman explained why he was using a counter-attacking approach at Man Utd, in contrast to the style he had implemented at Ajax.
"I can't play like Ajax because I have different players," said Ten Hag at the time. "I came here with my philosophy, based on possession, but I wanted to combine it with the DNA of Manchester United, the players and their characters.
"Last year (in 2022/23), we saw what that was. We played very good football. This season, the philosophy is not different, only I want to emphasise more on going direct.”
Amorim defends Dorgu
Amorim has defended 20-year-old Dorgu, who had a chastening experience in his third Premier League start as he knocked the ball past his own goalkeeper Andre Onana to gift Jaden Philogene a fourth-minute goal, before then being shown a straight red card in the 43rd minute for a tackle on Omari Hutchinson.
"I think [the goal] is something that happens, even with other players," Amorim told the club's official website. "It was like Patrick, when he looked, he saw Andre Onana on the goal but then looked down and made the pass and Andre was already out. A misunderstanding.
"[For the red-card tackle], I didn't see it. The important thing is I know my player and he doesn't want to injure a colleague in his profession. He wants to play the ball. Maybe it was a little bit harsh in the way he went for the ball. But clearly he's ready for the Premier League.
"He's inexperienced but people judge right away. Last week, he was ok and had a good performance against Everton. Today, you say he's not experienced enough."
