Man Utd fans left confused after Ruben Amorim’s response to criticism over what he did during Spurs defeat

Manchester United fans have offered a range of opinions regarding Rúben Amorim’s explanation for his decision not to make substitutions earlier in the team’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The United manager faced questions about his tactical choices, particularly when it came to the timing of his substitutions, which came under scrutiny given the poor performance and the ongoing struggles to break down Spurs.

With an injury crisis affecting the team ahead of the Sunday Premier League fixture, United’s bench, aside from Victor Lindelof, was made up entirely of academy players. The club’s lack of depth was clear, and fans understood that Amorim had limited options available. However, his decision to wait until the first minute of injury time to make a change, bringing on 17-year-old striker Chido Obi in place of Casemiro, sparked debate.

Some fans defended Amorim, acknowledging the tough situation he was in with injuries and a depleted bench. The club’s lack of experienced substitutes meant that Amorim had to make a calculated decision based on the available players. Those in favor of his choices pointed to the reality of having limited options, with many academy players not yet ready to step into the first team in such an important match.

On the other hand, a significant portion of the fanbase expressed disappointment with the late substitution. With the team trailing 1-0 for much of the second half, many supporters felt that Amorim could have made changes earlier to freshen up the attack or shore up the midfield. Waiting until injury time for a substitution seemed to many like an acknowledgement of helplessness rather than a strategic response to the game’s needs. The fact that Obi didn’t have time to influence the match only added to the frustration.

The decision highlighted the depth problems United have been facing this season, particularly in terms of squad rotation and injury management. Despite some understandable reasons for his actions, Amorim’s reluctance to make changes earlier raised questions about his tactical approach during the game. As United continue to struggle with results under the Portuguese manager, the pressure on him to make more effective decisions will likely only intensify, especially as they aim to regain form in the coming weeks.