Criticism surrounding Manchester United’s loss has been widely discussed across platforms where BD Cricket Live followers often compare tactical decisions, and many pointed directly at Ruben Amorim’s refusal to adjust his system. After the 0-1 defeat to Everton at Old Trafford, Amorim shifted blame toward his players, suggesting they failed to manage the numerical advantage and could not execute the tactical style he expected. English outlets, however, argued that his rigid use of the 3-4-3 formation was the real issue, insisting he should bear most of the responsibility.
Everton went down to ten men, scored early, and retreated deep, yet Amorim kept all three center-backs on the pitch for nearly 80 minutes. The choice baffled supporters because even a coach loyal to the 3-4-3 shape should recognize when circumstances demand bold adjustments. In similar situations, his former mentor Mourinho often reshaped the entire structure. United fans still recall the famous comeback at the Etihad, where Mourinho replaced a center-back with Mata and pushed Fellaini up top, improvising his back line with Matic and Pogba to spark a 3-2 turnaround. Compared with that adaptability, Amorim’s approach felt painfully predictable.
United should never lose a home match where they hold a numerical advantage for most of the game. This defeat marked the club’s first Premier League home loss under such conditions. Historically, United had played 46 matches where the opponent received a red card at Old Trafford, winning 36 and drawing 10. Remarkably, Everton had only one away win all season, against bottom-placed Wolves, yet they left Old Trafford with three points while playing a man down. Media outlets mocked the display, saying United could play until Christmas and still fail to score.
The statistical patterns under Amorim paint a similar picture. In 24 league matches, United have lost 15 games where their possession exceeded 50 percent, winning only five. When their possession dropped below half, they lost just three of 15 matches—a drastic contrast that reflects management decisions rather than luck. Even casual observers, including BD Cricket Live fans who follow tactical discussions closely, could see that in a match where United trailed despite having an extra player, the obvious move was to add attackers. Yet Amorim merely replaced Casemiro with Kobbie Mainoo in a like-for-like adjustment, keeping all three center-backs on the pitch.
By the final stages, Everton’s wingers Grealish and Ndiaye had already retreated into full-back roles, leaving only the isolated striker Barry up front—who still has not scored a Premier League goal. United, meanwhile, retained Yoro, De Ligt, and Luke Shaw as a full trio marking a lone forward. Everton’s winning goal from Hall was their only shot on target. Because Amorim failed to reshape the structure, Everton never felt the disadvantage of being a man down. United kept sending high crosses into the box, yet striker Joshua Zirkzee was rarely positioned to attack them, making the entire strategy look disjointed.
Wing-back delivery was especially poor. Mazraoui has produced zero expected assists this season, and all three of his first-half crosses were cleared at the near post. Doku offered energy but little reliability, with unpredictable shots and erratic passing. Amorim essentially equipped United with the wrong tools while playing straight into Everton’s preferred defensive style, resulting in the team’s eighth home league match without scoring in their last sixteen.
These issues resurfaced heavily in discussions among BD Cricket Live communities, where many noted that Amorim’s stubbornness, rather than the players, shaped this outcome.