Matthijs de Ligt Defends Ruben Amorim After Brentford Setback

Manchester United’s latest defeat, a 3-1 loss to Brentford on September 27, 2025, has intensified scrutiny on manager Ruben Amorim. Following a promising victory against Chelsea, the Red Devils faltered again, leaving them in a precarious position at 14th in the Premier League after just six matches.

The match at Brentford Community Stadium saw Igor Thiago score twice within the first 20 minutes, putting the home team firmly in control. Despite a goal from Benjamin Sesko, who netted his first for the club, Manchester United could not recover. A missed penalty from Bruno Fernandes and a stoppage-time goal from Mathias Jensen sealed a disappointing result for the visitors.

Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has been challenging. He has recorded only nine wins from 33 Premier League matches, leading to mounting pressure from fans and commentators alike. His tactical approach, particularly the 3-4-3 formation, has faced criticism, but Matthijs de Ligt, a key defender, stepped up to defend his manager.

Players Must Take Responsibility

De Ligt emphasized that the players should shoulder the blame for the defeat rather than the manager. “Of course, it’s always easy to look to the manager, but in the end, the players on the pitch have to do it,” he stated. He pointed out that the team’s failures stemmed from a lack of concentration and focus at critical moments rather than Amorim’s tactical decisions.

This season has been particularly troubling for United, having conceded 11 goals while scoring just seven. De Ligt expressed disappointment over the team’s inability to build on their recent successes, stating, “We were speaking about keeping the momentum going… If you lose this game, it’s a big blow.”

The defender acknowledged that a thorough analysis of their mistakes is necessary as they prepare for upcoming matches. He noted, “We were short in key moments where we made the wrong decisions. That makes a big difference in football.”

Concerns from Former Players

Former Manchester United player Gary Neville has echoed concerns regarding Amorim’s management style and decision-making during games. He expressed apprehension about Amorim’s future, suggesting that the current trajectory could lead to significant changes soon. “There is no point in me sitting here and saying I’m not worried,” Neville said during a broadcast for NBC.

He criticized Amorim’s tactical choices, particularly the handling of player positions. “When you have Mason Mount playing at left-back, you are going to look pretty stupid,” he added, referencing previous matches where unconventional player placements were evident.

As Manchester United gears up to face Sunderland next weekend, the need for immediate improvement is clear. With the team struggling in both performance and results, the pressure remains on Amorim to turn the situation around. The upcoming fixture will be crucial for both the manager and the players, as they seek to regain confidence and improve their standing in the league.

The situation at Manchester United highlights the tension between managerial strategies and player performances, a balance that will be put to the test in the coming matches as the team aims to reclaim its former glory.