Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has publicly backed his defenders, refusing to blame them for a chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Despite his side conceding four goals and squandering the lead on three separate occasions, the Portuguese coach insisted the quality exists within his squad.
A Frantic Eight-Goal Spectacle
The Premier League encounter was a breathtaking affair from start to finish. United took the lead just before the quarter-hour mark through Amad Diallo, but Antoine Semenyo levelled for the visitors on 40 minutes. Casemiro then restored United's advantage deep into first-half stoppage time, only for Evalinson to equalise again less than a minute after the restart.
Bournemouth then took the lead for the first time through Marcus Tavernier after 52 minutes. United captain Bruno Fernandes then scored a superb free-kick to make it 3-3, before substitute Matheus Cunha put the hosts 4-3 ahead. Bournemouth had the final say, however, with Eli Junior Kroup netting a late equaliser to share the points in an eight-goal thriller.
Defensive Errors Under Scrutiny
The nature of the goals conceded will concern United fans, with several stemming from individual mistakes. Errors from Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot led directly to strikes from Semenyo and Tavernier. Questionable positioning from Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro allowed Evalinson to score, while Tavernier's free-kick benefitted from a poorly organised wall and goalkeeper Senne Lammens being unable to save a shot on his side.
Despite this, Amorim was defiant in his post-match assessment. "We have talent at the back and quality players, we just have to have better defending," the head coach stated. "We took care of the offence. We have the characteristics, we just need to work together."
Amorim's Analysis and Mainoo Subplot
The manager pointed to game management as a key failing, particularly after half-time. "You think we lost the two points in the second half, but I think we lost the two points in the first half. We should have more goals," Amorim said, highlighting a sense of naivety. "It is understanding the moments of the game. We need to start the second half in a different way."
In a curious side story, Kobbie Mainoo's half-brother, Jordan Kwadwo Osei Mainoo-Hames, attended the match wearing a "Free Kobbie Mainoo" T-shirt, which he posted on his Instagram. The highly-rated midfielder came on after 60 minutes for Casemiro but is yet to start any of United's 16 Premier League games this season under Amorim.
The result leaves United's defensive frailties exposed, but Amorim's immediate message is clear: he believes the solution lies within the current squad, not the transfer market.
