United View: Injury woes and tactical doubts leave the Reds reeling

Every other week, we say Manchester United has hit a new low.

However, after a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham, the Reds are now 15th in the Premier League, an unprecedented position for this stage of the season. And with the team hit with an unforeseen injury crisis, things continue to look bleak at Old Trafford.

The weekend began with the worrying news that Amad would likely miss the remainder of the season, suffering an ankle injury in training. In addition to Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collyer and Manuel Ugarte are all set to be sidelined for several weeks.

United then travelled to North London with a bare-bones eleven and a bench consisting of Victor Lindelof and teenagers, of which only one had made a first-team appearance – Ayden Heaven, for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

James Maddison’s goal in the 13th minute was the only goal in a game that was end-to-end at times. United had enough chances of their own to win the game, the best of which went to Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee, but both squandered their chances as the Reds suffered their eighth defeat from 14 under Amorim in the Premier League.

Amad’s absence is going to be significant, having contributed a combined 12 goals and assists in the league. Whereas the trio of Zirkzee, Garnacho, and Hojlund have only a combined ten goals and assists. With options scarce, they need to start improving these numbers urgently.

Ruben Amorim has been a charismatic figure since arriving at Old Trafford and continued to remain defiant despite the position his club find itself in, saying, “We need to stop focusing on the big picture. It’s not the moment to do that. Just focus on the next game. Let’s do everything to win some games and then think in the big picture.”

Fans have been questioning his 3421 system and whether it is best suited to his side. However, the win at the Etihad and a draw at Anfield have shown that his system can work. For years, fans have said they have wanted an identifiable style of play at United, and now they have a manager who is committed to delivering that.

Amorim believes he needs a pre-season to embed his ideas, stressing the difficulty of coming in midseason with a whole new philosophy, stating that things are like ‘survival’ right now.

Just like Erik ten Hag, there is no guarantee that Amorim will be a success. He too has shown in another league that he has an exciting style of play, but translating that to a struggling United side remains a huge challenge.

Off the pitch, frustration continues to mount. Rising ticket prices and staff redundancies have further alienated fans, with INEOS bearing the brunt of the backlash. However, the root of the problem remains the Glazers, who’ve sat idly by for decades and allowed this demise to unfold under their leadership.

What’s happening right at Old Trafford is saddening, and, unfortunately, everyday people – staff and supporters – who are the ones paying the price. It’s going to take time for things to improve as the new regime tries to change the culture and pull the club out of the death spiral it’s been locked in for years now.

Despite the turmoil, United still have three competitions to fight for. However, with his squad stretched thin, Amorim may be forced to turn to Carrington’s academy talent. If nothing else, the crisis could be an opportunity for a young player to make a breakthrough.

The Reds next travel to Goodison Park to take on former manager David Moyes and his Everton side, experiencing a resurgence since his return to Merseyside.