Manchester United’s revival under Michael Carrick has left Alan Shearer scrutinising the tactics of his predecessor Ruben Amorim, mocking his ‘arrogance’ for refusing to be adaptable.
Amorim was axed as United head coach on January 5 with the Portuguese’s stubbornness and defiance over his 3-4-2-1 formation proving a decisive factor in his parting of the ways with the club’s hierarchy.
The 40-year-old’s, who turns 41 on Tuesday, 14-month tenure saw him record just a 38.1 win percentage – with 24 wins, 18 draws and 21 losses from his 63 matches in charge.
His persistence for playing a back-three in defence, irked many fans and former players of United who cried out for a four-man setup to allow for more attacking players on the pitch.
It wasn’t just the results though that disappointed many, it was the nature of the performances too – something that has already been turned on its head by Carrick.
The Red Devils legend has seen his side produce two fine performances to beat Manchester City (2-0 at home) and then Arsenal (3-2 away) in the space of eight days – deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Alan Shearer believes Ruben Amorim’s downfall at Manchester United was due to ‘arrogance’
Amorim’s successor Michael Carrick has turned around United’s fortunes within eight days
Shearer cites Amorim’s stubbornness over playing 3-4-2-1 and not being flexible as the cause
And reflecting on the impact of Carrick already, Shearer believes he only has himself to blame for not getting the best out of this group of players.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he said: ‘What on earth is Ruben Amorim sat doing, thinking, looking at those two performances? I mean honestly, I don’t know what he’ll be thinking.
‘It’s absolutely crazy [to not try and change formation]. The arrogance to say, ‘No, I’m not doing any other thing. This is my way or the highway.’
‘I mean, to not even shift or to accept that this is probably not working, ‘Maybe I should try something else.’
‘He put all his eggs into that basket, and if that didn’t work, he was done. And it didn’t.’
And while Shearer was effusive in his praise for Carrick’s impact, he believes it’s too early to give the 44-year-old the full-time job come the end of the season.
‘I think that it’s too early to say after two games, [he’s been] absolutely very, very promising,’ he continued.
‘[Carrick has] made an unbelievable start, maybe even surprised himself. I don’t know, but I think ask me that in two months time.’
