Before the international break, Ruben Amorim has a lot on his mind, but one Manchester United squad issue is more significant than the others. Additionally, there is a specific area in the dressing room that needs to improve over the course of the next two weeks or so.
At Tottenham on Saturday, Amorim’s team barely managed to cling onto the advantage that Bryan Mbeumo had built up in north London. As a result, United’s poor defensive record continued; in 12 games this season, the squad has only maintained one clean sheet.
In other news, the player’s sister revealed the reasons for United’s failure to sign one of their previous transfer targets. As the international break offers a chance for introspection, Mirror Football looks at the most recent stories about Old Trafford.
While scoring goals has been United’s top priority in previous seasons, it is painfully clear that defence is this season’s biggest problem. This season, the club has been plagued by avoidable mistakes at the back, which were once again evident against Spurs.
Amorim’s dressing room conundrum
Senne Lammens, a summer acquisition, has shown himself to be an upgrade in goal and cannot be held accountable for the barrage of goals given up. Rather, those outfield offenders who have failed to exhibit the necessary poise in crucial situations bear the most of the blame.
For instance, Ugarte was at least partly responsible for Tottenham’s two goals this past weekend. Before assisting in Mathys Tel’s first equaliser and keeping Richarlison onside for what could have been the game-winning goal, the Uruguayan allowed Wilson Odobert to pass him too easily.
Although the offence has been strengthened by the additions of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Mbeumo (the October Premier League Player of the Month), strengthening the defence is the next top goal. Even a small improvement may make a big difference, even though any issues won’t be totally fixed over the international break.
