Gary Neville has suggested that Manchester United's home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday is actually a “huge positive” for new manager Ruben Amorim.
United had the majority of the ball and had a higher xG (2.24) over the course of the match, compared to Bournemouth (1.24), with more shots on target and three times the number of touches in the opposition penalty area, but He failed to score and conceded three times.
This means Amorim have won just four of their first nine matches since taking charge a month ago, with four of their last six matches against Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur (Carabao Cup) and Bournemouth ending in defeat. United were 3-0 behind Tottenham before scoring two goals.
Neville is excited, talking about his former club on his own page Self-titled Sky Sports PodcastHe said that the series of results actually highlights for Amorim where there are shortcomings and what needs to be changed.
“I think Robin Amorim seeing what he has is a very positive thing,” Neville said. “In the past, there were times when you could be fooled into thinking you had a better group of players, because of good results and progress in the league. But they are a mile away in every way.”
“Playing the way Amorim wants to play, with the 3-4-3, he will have to change it. Everyone has tried by rotating the team and I don't think there will be many who watched and thought, 'Yes, I want you on the bus'.” They're all so humble, I don't know how it happened – they're better than they show, let's be clear, but it's a sustainable pattern.
“It's a huge positive that Ruben Amorim has the chance to look at these players in the cold light of day. He's got a six-month display of beauty if you like – an even more ugly display. He sees what Manchester United fans have.” After watching it for ten years, there needs to be a cultural overhaul.
“It's a very difficult period, there's not much to like about the performance levels or the way they play. They're all lads doing their best, and this is no personal attack, but they're not good enough to play for.” Manchester UnitedBecause this club aims to be at the top.
“It's quite clear that watching these players is not good enough.”
United will next play away to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day, with the hosts in the relegation zone but eliminated after a 3-0 away win over struggling Leicester City.
