Amorim 'out of his depth' with Man Utd tactics 'not working' says pundit

Jamie Carragher has launched a scathing attack on Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United, branding their 4-1 capitulation at Newcastle as “an embarrassment” that exposes the manager’s tactical flaws.

The pundit, speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, didn’t hold back, warning that United’s slide to 14th in the Premier League signals a deeper crisis under Amorim’s faltering reign.

Sunday’s thrashing at St James’ Park—United’s 14th league defeat this season—saw Alexander Isak, Valentino Livramento, and Anthony Gordon rip through a porous defense, with Altay Bayindir floundering in place of the benched Andre Onana.

Carragher, dissecting the wreckage, pinned the blame on Amorim’s rigid 3-4-2-1 system. “It’s not working—full stop,” he fumed. “United look lost, no identity. You can’t keep blaming players when the setup’s this chaotic.”

Amorim, appointed in November 2024 after Erik ten Hag’s sacking, has won just six of 21 games, with Thursday’s 2-2 Europa League draw against Lyon—where Onana gifted both goals—adding to the gloom.

Carragher contrasted United’s mess with Newcastle’s “relentless energy,” noting Eddie Howe’s side “ran rings around them” while United managed just three shots on target, per Opta. “This isn’t a one-off,” he added. “They’ve been awful for months—14th is no fluke.”

The ex-Liverpool star questioned Amorim’s credentials, despite his three Primeira Liga titles with Sporting.

“He’s got to adapt fast—Premier League’s not Portugal,” Carragher said, pointing to United’s 37 league goals (vs. Newcastle’s 51) as proof of a toothless attack.

Joshua Zirkzee’s hamstring injury—potentially season-ending—leaves Rasmus Højlund as the lone striker, with his £52m exit looming (TMW). “You’re relying on a kid who’s not scoring,” Carragher noted. “Good luck.”

Fans on X echo the despair: @MUFC_Rant posted, “Carragher’s bang on—Amorim’s out of his depth.”

Yet some defend the boss, with @United4Ever arguing, “Give him a transfer window—squad’s rotten.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £100m summer pledge, targeting Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha (Mirror), offers hope, but Carragher scoffed: “Money won’t fix this overnight. They’ve spent £900m since 2019—look where it’s got them.”

Thursday’s Europa League return leg against Lyon is make-or-break for United’s Champions League dreams. Amorim, defiant post-Newcastle, insisted, “I see progress—you’ll see it soon.”

But with Bruno Fernandes carrying the side (13 goal involvements) and injuries piling up—Zirkzee, Amad Diallo, possibly Matthijs de Ligt—Carragher’s verdict stings. “United need a miracle, not promises,” he concluded. Old Trafford’s holding its breath.