The dramatic revival of Manchester United under interim manager Michael Carrick has prompted fierce criticism from Alan Shearer directed at the club's former head coach Ruben Amorim, with the Premier League legend branding the Portuguese tactician's approach as fundamentally 'arrogant' for its lack of adaptability.
A Stubborn Tenure Cut Short
Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford was abruptly terminated on January 5, following a disappointing 14-month spell. The 40-year-old, who celebrates his 41st birthday this Tuesday, departed with a win percentage of just 38.1% from his 63 matches in charge, recording 24 victories, 18 draws, and 21 defeats.
The decisive factor in his dismissal, according to reports and punditry, was his unwavering commitment to a rigid 3-4-2-1 formation. This tactical stubbornness, perceived as defiance by the club's hierarchy, frustrated many associated with United who longed for a more traditional four-man defensive setup to unleash their attacking talent.
More Than Just Results
The dissatisfaction extended beyond mere statistics. The nature of the performances under Amorim left fans and former players alike disheartened, a sentiment that has been spectacularly overturned in the space of just eight days under Michael Carrick's guidance.
The Red Devils legend has overseen a stunning transformation, deploying a flexible 4-2-3-1 system to secure two statement victories. His side first defeated rivals Manchester City 2-0 at home before travelling to the Emirates Stadium to secure a thrilling 3-2 win against Arsenal.
Shearer's Scathing Verdict
Reflecting on this immediate turnaround, Alan Shearer placed the blame squarely on Amorim's shoulders for failing to extract the best from the squad. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the former England striker did not hold back in his assessment.
'What on earth is Ruben Amorim sat doing, thinking, looking at those two performances? I mean honestly, I don't know what he'll be thinking,' Shearer remarked. 'It's absolutely crazy [to not try and change formation]. The arrogance to say, 'No, I'm not doing any other thing. This is my way or the highway.''
He elaborated further, criticising the former coach's inflexibility: 'I mean, to not even shift or to accept that this is probably not working, 'Maybe I should try something else.' He put all his eggs into that basket, and if that didn't work, he was done. And it didn't.'
A Cautious Outlook on Carrick's Future
Despite being effusive in his praise for Carrick's instant impact, Shearer urged caution regarding the interim manager's long-term prospects. He believes it is premature to anoint the 44-year-old as the permanent successor based on just two matches, no matter how impressive.
'I think that it's too early to say after two games, [he's been] absolutely very, very promising,' Shearer continued. '[Carrick has] made an unbelievable start, maybe even surprised himself. I don't know, but I think ask me that in two months time.'
The stark contrast between Amorim's rigid, failing philosophy and Carrick's pragmatic, successful adaptation has become the defining narrative at Manchester United, leaving fans to wonder what might have been had a more flexible approach been adopted sooner.
