Manchester United manager faces fresh Amorim criticism after tactical choices in the loss to Everton raise concerns over wing-back roles

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, under increasing scrutiny following Monday’s defeat to 10-man Everton, insisted in Manchester on Friday that his side needs time to develop the right characteristics for his preferred system, as pressure mounts ahead of Sunday’s Premier League visit to Crystal Palace.

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Amorim came under fire after the 1-0 loss at Old Trafford, where the decision to keep his 3-4-2-1 formation despite Everton’s early red card drew strong public indignation from pundits and supporters.

His like-for-like substitution of left wing-back Patrick Dorgu for Diogo Dalot left United ineffective on that flank and sparked widespread Amorim criticism across the fanbase.

The manager maintained that personnel limitations, not tactical stubbornness, shaped his approach.

He cited the absence of a natural right-footed attacking wing-back as a key factor, noting that Amad Diallo remains the only player with the necessary profile for such situations.

Amorim said the squad must evolve to mirror the intense, attack-minded wing-back play seen at Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner.

Palace’s Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell have been central to their rise to tenth, two places above United, who could overtake them with a win at Selhurst Park.

Pressed on comparisons with Palace, Amorim said both clubs operate with contrasting structures despite sharing a three-at-the-back shape.

He conceded, however, that Palace are executing their game plan more effectively in the current moment.

Glasner, speaking ahead of the fixture, defended Amorim’s commitment to his system and highlighted the evident improvement in United’s work rate and attacking profile this season, particularly after heavy investment in the forward line.

But criticism intensified after Gary Neville described United’s lack of attacking urgency as “embarrassing,” accusing Amorim of failing to adjust in a situation that demanded relentless pressure.

Jamie Carragher added that the manager’s attachment to the formation risked overshadowing broader tactical principles, insisting United’s rigidity was costly.

Squad data underlined the concerns. At Sporting, Amorim’s wing-backs delivered a combined 26 goal contributions in his final full season.

In contrast, United’s options have produced just 13, nine of which came from Diallo alone.

Secondary wing-backs have managed only four goal contributions across 67 league starts.

Such numbers have sharpened the spotlight on United’s structural inconsistency and prompted questions about the viability of Amorim’s system without the dynamic wide outlets it relies on.

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As United travel to Selhurst Park seeking a vital response, the manager’s tactical resolve is set for its sternest examination yet.