Ruben Amorim’s first defeat as Manchester United head coach came in a match dominated by the home team, with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba scoring from set-pieces to secure a 2-0 win. The game was marked by United’s inability to cope with aerial threats, as both goals came from set-piece situations, highlighting their defensive frailties in these moments.
United’s defense from open play in the first half showed some promise, but their overall performance was undermined by their struggles at defending set-pieces. The team also lacked significant attacking threat throughout the match. Amorim made six changes to his starting lineup, a bold decision that saw key players like Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford dropped in favor of fresh faces. However, the substitutes failed to make a significant impact when they came on.
Amad Diallo, however, had a more positive influence after his introduction, showing some bright moments that hinted at potential. On the other hand, Marcus Rashford’s cameo appearance in the second half drew heavy criticism. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane was particularly harsh, criticizing Rashford’s overall performance, saying, “His general play as a footballer is shocking.” Keane’s assessment reflected the frustration over Rashford’s inability to make a meaningful contribution to the match when the team was in need of a spark.
Rashford’s performance has been a point of contention for some time, and this match seemed to fuel further doubts about his form and commitment, especially in a high-pressure situation where a response was needed. This defeat, coming under Amorim’s leadership, will likely prompt further scrutiny of the manager’s tactical decisions, as well as the performances of certain key players.