The UK’s latest icy blizzard was the least of Ruben Amorim’s worries during a bitterly cold January clash in West Yorkshire, as Manchester United seemingly froze once again.
The Red Devils were like ice statues as Brendan Aaronson handed Leeds United the lead at Elland Road, with Ayden Heaven caught in the cold, allowing the American to smash the ball past Senne Lammenes.
Leeds’ joy was short-lived as Matheus Cunha pounced on a moment of madness from Lucas Perri, catching the keeper off his line to mask the growing cracks in Amorim’s reign. Amorim, who’s squad is threadbare, had arrived at relegation-battling Leeds with eight defensive outfield players.
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It was a statement in two parts from Amorim – and neither reflected well on the underfire United boss.
It was an admission that his summer recruitment simply wasn’t up to scratch. United knew AFCON was coming, yet still failed to build the depth required once January arrived, leaving with them with a squad at breaking point.
It also exposed a lack of trust. This was the perfect chance to blood a couple of youngsters, but Amorim blinked, opting instead for caution. Even Joshua Zirkzee couldn’t force his way into the starting side.
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Amorim’s stubbornness with his back three has proved to cost United again and again, and it was only after subbing off Leny Yoro and moving to a back four did United start to look better.
However, it was too little too late, and the Red Devils have now dropped more points against a team they really should be beating.
It’s one win in their last five now and United could tumble down the table if results go against them later on Sunday.
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It’s Burnley next for Amorim, and he needs his side to claim all three points at Turf Moor.
On paper, the table looks OK for the Red Devils, but they are real danger of being pulled into the dog fight that sees three points separate Sunderland, in seventh, and Newcastle in 14th.