Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has issued a robust defence of his tactical philosophy, directly responding to criticism from fellow Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho. The debate ignited after United's disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Everton, which ended their five-match unbeaten run.
Mourinho's 'Stupid' Comment Sparks Debate
The managerial spat began when Jose Mourinho, now in charge at Benfica, made pointed remarks about coaches who stubbornly stick to one system. Speaking via The Athletic, the former Manchester United boss stated, "We're in a generation where we see coaches trying to do things that just don't work and they die. But they say, 'I died, but I died with my idea.' My friend, if you died by your ideas, you are stupid."
Although Mourinho didn't name Amorim directly, the timing and context of his comments placed the current United boss squarely in the spotlight. The criticism came after United failed to capitalise against 10-man Everton at Old Trafford, missing a crucial opportunity to break into the Premier League's top four.
Amorim's Firm Rejection of 'Fixated' Label
In his post-match press conference, Ruben Amorim firmly rejected suggestions that he's inflexible with his tactics. "I'm willing to do anything, contrary to what many people think that I'm too fixated on one thing," the United manager asserted.
Amorim explained his approach to team setup, noting that modern football requires adaptability. "We might say it's a 4-4-2, but five minutes later it's a 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3. I simply start with a basic foundation, but obviously, we can use it in the future."
The 40-year-old tactician pointed to his use of different players in various roles as evidence of his flexibility, specifically mentioning his considerations for Bryan Mbeumo and previous deployments of Matheus Cunha in different positions during the impressive victory over Liverpool.
Pressure Mounts After Everton Defeat
United's loss to Everton has intensified scrutiny on Amorim's methods. The defeat meant the Red Devils squandered the chance to move into Champions League qualification positions, despite their recent improved form that included three wins and two draws from their previous five matches.
The 1-0 defeat was particularly frustrating as Everton played with ten men for over an hour, yet United couldn't find a way through. This performance revived criticism from club legends including Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney, who have previously questioned Amorim's reluctance to adapt his system during difficult periods.
Amorim, who succeeded Erik ten Hag twelve months ago, has consistently defended his tactical foundation while acknowledging the need for results. "It is normal and you cannot run away from the results," he admitted earlier this season, though he maintained that system wasn't the primary issue in most of United's defeats.
The United boss now faces the challenge of proving his adaptability isn't just theoretical while navigating the intense pressure that comes with managing one of the world's biggest football clubs.
