Peacock: The Troubling Decline of United – What Went Wrong

Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, is a true football fanatic. He’s the kind of person who can’t resist rearranging the salt and pepper shakers on a restaurant table into a tactical formation. But it seems like his message isn’t quite getting through to his players.

After Manchester United’s 3-1 loss to Brentford, Amorim admitted, “We never settled down our game. We never played our game. We never pushed the opponent.” Let’s dive into what he meant by that.

First off, they did settle into the game at one point, around the hour mark when they were 2-1 down. But their possession lacked purpose, with Bruno Fernandes dropping way too deep. Bruno is at his best near the opponent’s box, not hanging out near the halfway line with only one player ahead of Brentford’s attackers.

The lack of incisive ball movement, quick touches, and third man runs was evident. Amorim’s game plan seemed predictable, and their opponents had no trouble anticipating their moves.

At 2-1 down, there was a chance for Manchester United to turn the game around. However, static movement and a lack of aggression left them paralyzed. It’s clear that some key players, like Fernandes, were frustrated with the lack of movement and opportunities.

Looking ahead, Manchester United faces Sunderland next, a team with newfound confidence. Amorim will need to find solutions quickly to steer United back on track.

Meanwhile, Arsenal secured a deserved win against Newcastle, keeping their title ambitions alive. Manager Mikel Arteta’s response to contentious moments in games is crucial. While fans may indulge in conspiracy theories, Arteta must remain level-headed to maintain the team’s focus.

Arsenal has the talent and depth to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea this season. With a strong squad and a bit of luck, they could make a real impact in the title race. Belief and focus will be key for Arteta and his team moving forward.