Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been cautioned that his habit of making late, defensive substitutions risks unsettling his own players, despite his side clinging to a narrow victory.
Former Stars Question Tactical Tinkering
The warning comes from ex-United goalkeeper Ben Foster, who analysed the team's hard-fought 1-0 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. While the result secured only United's second Premier League clean sheet of the season, Amorim's late-game changes sparked controversy.
In the second half, with Newcastle pressing, Amorim withdrew experienced defenders Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw. They were replaced by the less familiar figures of Tyler Fredricson and Tyrell Malacia, a move that shifted United into an ultra-defensive shape and surprised many observers.
"You Don't Mess With It" - Foster's Verdict
Speaking on his Fozcast podcast, Foster urged the Portuguese coach to reconsider such disruptive switches. He argued that professional footballers thrive on stability, especially in the closing stages of a tense match.
"Man United seem to make defensive changes a lot, weird ones as well," Foster stated. "If you ask professional footballers about what they think of that, they will tell you honestly and say you shouldn't do that. You don't understand what it's like being a team in those last dying moments... You don't mess with it. Everybody knows where they are."
Foster acknowledged Amorim's results but emphasised the potential psychological impact on the squad, suggesting players would not be pleased with the disruption to a settled defensive unit.
Neville's Bafflement at United's Final Line-Up
Foster was not alone in his criticism. Manchester United icon and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville also expressed bewilderment at the team that finished the match.
"I'd go as far as to say it's the most bizarre Manchester United XI I've ever seen on the pitch at the end of a game," Neville admitted during his commentary. "The shape, the players on the pitch got even more bizarre, but they hung on."
Amorim, who has typically deployed a 3-4-2-1 system, shifted to a back four against Newcastle before his late changes effectively created a back six to withstand the Magpies' late assault.
Amorim Defends Team Spirit Despite Scrutiny
Despite the external flak, the United boss defended his team's resilience and expressed satisfaction with their collective spirit. He conceded his side needed luck but praised their determination.
"I think we suffered all together," Amorim said post-match. "We managed to defend, sometimes with a back six, but we suffered together and that is a good feeling. If we always have this spirit, we are going to win so many games."
The manager concluded that the ability to win without playing brilliantly, through sheer togetherness, is a vital trait for his team as they continue their campaign under his leadership.
