Ruben Amorim has defended his second-half substitutions during Manchester United's 1-1 draw with West Ham, despite criticism that the changes were overly defensive. The United head coach made four substitutions after the break, including bringing on Leny Yoro for Ayden Heaven at half-time and later introducing Patrick Dorgu, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte, and Lisandro Martinez.
With the score level at 1-1 in the 83rd minute, Amorim opted to take off Luke Shaw for Lisandro Martinez and left Kobbie Mainoo on the bench, a decision that raised eyebrows given United's need for a winner. However, Amorim insisted the changes were necessary to address a recurring issue: losing second balls.
“No,” he said when asked if he would change the replacements. “We are losing because of the second ball. Sometimes there's not more men in front that you are going to win the ball. We had more men to put in the offense. Who would be more offensive? It was the second ball. I was worried with Matheus. I know that Bruno has reached the box really well. Mason Mount is playing in his position. They were trying to push us. Bryan has a lot of pace to try to win the ball in one position. So that was my idea.”
Amorim expressed frustration after the late equaliser cost United a chance to move fifth in the Premier League, but rejected claims the team is regressing. “It’s not going backwards, we had some moments. That can happen. You were talking about when we had the [good] run we were perfect, we are not, we are really inconsistent. If you look at the goal, 83 minutes we have a log ball and everything under control and we have to do better.”
