Ruben Amorim explains Manchester United substitutions in West Ham draw

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·4 December 2025

Ruben Amorim explains Manchester United substitutions in West Ham draw

Man United boss has seen his tactics questioned following the 1-1 draw against West Ham

Ruben Amorim has defended his substitutions in Manchester United’s draw with West Ham.

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Of the five changes Amorim made throughout the game, four were defensive with Leny Yoro coming on at half time followed by Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte and Lisandro Martinez at various points in the second half.

Despite those alterations, United were ultimately undone from a set-piece when Soungoutou Magassa fired in the loose ball after Jarrod Bowen’s header had been cleared off the line by Noussair Mazraoui.

Man Utd legend Roy Keane has hit out at the substitutions and the Old Trafford faithful for giving players a “standing ovation” while the game was still in the balance.

However, Amorim has insisted those changes were necessary because his side were losing too many second balls.

"No," was the Man United’s response in the post-match press conference when asked if he had any regrets over his substitutions.

"We are losing because of the second ball. Sometimes there's not more men in front that you are going to win the ball. We had more men to put in the offense.

“Who would be more offensive?

"It was the second ball. I was worried with Matheus. I know that Bruno has reached the box really well. Mason Mount is playing in his position.

“They were trying to push us. Bryan has a lot of pace to try to win the ball in one position. So that was my idea."