De Ligt Questions Amorim as Manchester United Fall to Everton

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt was candid in his post-match comments, openly questioning manager Ruben Amorim’s tactics after United’s disappointing 1-0 loss to a 10-man Everton side at Old Trafford. The unexpected defeat snapped United’s five-game unbeaten Premier League streak and left them languishing in 10th place, now 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Manchester United’s Struggles Against Short-Handed Everton

The match began favorably for Manchester United as Everton suffered two early blows. Idrissa Gueye was sent off after a bizarre altercation with teammate Michael Keane, reducing the Toffees to ten men for over 80 minutes. Everton’s captain, Seamus Coleman, also left injured within the first ten minutes. Despite these setbacks, Everton took the lead on the half-hour mark courtesy of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and held firm defensively for the rest of the match.

United controlled possession but failed to make their numerical advantage significant. Instead of exploiting spaces and making dynamic runs, United focused on long balls and crosses, recording a staggering 38 crosses and nine corners. Everton’s tall defenders easily dealt with these aerial threats, further exposing United’s lack of attacking sharpness, especially in the absence of the injured Benjamin Sesko.

De Ligt’s Blunt Assessment and Tactical Concerns

After the final whistle, De Ligt did not mince words. Speaking to MUTV, he said: “It’s quite clear. A bad night for us. For 70 minutes we played 11 against 10, conceded a goal, and didn’t create enough chances. We didn’t make the runs or get bodies in the box. Everton are strong in the air, and we didn’t have the players to hurt them that way. We basically played to their strengths.”

The Dutch centre-back emphasized a lack of urgency and hunger among United players, especially in decisive moments. “If you lack urgency, you get punished. We needed more hunger to make a difference when it mattered most,” he concluded.

Ruben Amorim Responds to Manchester United Defeat

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim admitted responsibility for the result, conceding that his side deserved to lose. In the post-match press conference, Amorim said: “They were better even with 10 men for 70 minutes. We didn’t play well or with enough intensity. We’re not where we need to be to compete for the top positions in the league. My biggest concern is the return of last season’s negative feeling.”

Amorim called for unity and improvement, adding, “We need to work together to find solutions. Training resumes tomorrow, and our focus shifts to the next match.”

Implications for United’s Premier League Ambitions

Had United secured a win, they could have moved into the top five, especially with rivals Manchester City and Liverpool dropping points. The loss leaves United with a mountain to climb in the race for Champions League qualification, increasing pressure on Amorim and his squad.

Their next fixture is away against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, where Oliver Glasner’s high-flying side awaits. A poor result there could intensify scrutiny on Amorim’s leadership and United’s tactical direction.

What’s Next for Amorim and United?

The defeat raises important questions about tactical flexibility and player motivation at Manchester United. With Benjamin Sesko sidelined, United’s reliance on aerial play and set pieces proved ineffective. Amorim must now find alternative solutions to reignite United’s attack and restore confidence ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.

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Opinion: Time for Tactical Rethink at Old Trafford

United’s loss to a depleted Everton side highlights the need for more dynamic and flexible tactics. Sticking to a one-dimensional approach—especially against teams renowned for aerial strength—only limits United’s potential. De Ligt’s comments are a wake-up call. For United to reclaim a place among the league’s elite, a fresh approach and renewed urgency are non-negotiable.