Man Utd information: Ruben Amorim’s downside as star’s sister ‘admits switch method’
Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by Tottenham, with Ruben Amorim’s side once again showing their frailties, as a star’s family have opened up on snubbing the Red Devils
Ruben Amorim has a lot on his plate as he heads into the international break, with one particular issue at Manchester United looming larger than the rest.
A specific section of the dressing room has a significant task ahead in making improvements over the next couple of weeks. Amorim’s team managed to scrape a point at Tottenham on Saturday, failing to maintain the lead established by Bryan Mbeumo in north London as they drew 2-2 thanks to Matthijs de Ligt’s late equaliser.
Consequently, United’s leaky defence continued their poor run, having kept just one clean sheet in 12 matches this season. In other news, it has become apparent why United missed out on signing one of their previous transfer targets after the player’s sister revealed details of the failed deal.
Here’s all the latest headlines surrounding Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim’s dressing room dilemma
While scoring goals has been United’s main concern in recent seasons, it’s painfully clear this year’s primary issues are defensive.
Avoidable mistakes at the back have become an unwelcome characteristic of the team this season and were once again evident against Spurs, reports the Mirror.
Summer recruit Senne Lammens has proven to be an improvement in goal and can’t be held responsible for the flood of goals conceded. Instead, the blame largely falls on the defenders and certain midfielders, who have failed to display the necessary composure in key moments.
Manuel Ugarte was partially to blame for both of Tottenham’s goals this weekend. The Uruguayan first let Wilson Odobert slip past him too easily before inadvertently setting up Mathys Tel’s equaliser. He then played a part in keeping Richarlison onside for their lead-taking goal.
Even though Matthijs de Ligt managed to claw back a point with his 96th-minute equaliser, he also had some moments he’d rather forget. Most notably, he was too passive in allowing Tel to turn and shoot just yards from Lammens’ goal for the equaliser.
They’re not alone in their defensive struggles, as Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, and Casemiro have all shown vulnerabilities at the back in recent weeks.
United currently sit seventh in the Premier League but have let in 18 goals, a total surpassed only by the bottom five teams in the league.
While the acquisitions of Mbeumo (the Premier League’s Player of the Month for October), Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko have bolstered the attack, improving the defence is the next priority. While any problems won’t be completely resolved over the international break, it provides an ideal opportunity to make significant changes for the long term.
Onana’s sister reveals details on United pursuit
During United’s hunt for a new commanding midfielder in the summer of 2024, Amadou Onana was among those linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
The Belgium international had enjoyed two impressive campaigns at Everton before stepping up to join Unai Emery’s Aston Villa for £50million that July.
It’s now emerged precisely why the Villans were so determined to wrap up their deal so quickly. Onana’s sister and agent, Melissa, has lifted the lid on United’s pursuit and explained why he chose Villa Park over Old Trafford.
“Aston Villa’s sporting project was crystal clear,” she revealed to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri (via Walfoot). “It was a project where Amadou could continue to develop. We spoke with the sporting director, and the salary was also attractive, let’s not kid ourselves.”
She added: “The Euros were coming up, Amadou was performing well, and we finalised the deal. Then, Manchester United entered the picture. But I had already given my word to Aston Villa.
“We knew very well that Manchester would be able to offer better financial terms, but we had already given our word to Aston Villa, and the project was a good fit. The style of football played, the club’s ambition: Amadou felt right at home there.”
It was only in the closing days of Erik ten Hag’s transfer window at Old Trafford that United finally secured Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.
Just over a year on, Villa’s expenditure to bring in Onana appears to be money well invested, while the verdict is still pending on the comparable fee splashed out to acquire Ugarte.
