Sky Sports’ Zinny Boswell questions Ruben Amorim’s judgement in 4-3 loss to Brentford | OneFootball

Sky Sports journalist Zinny Boswell offered a sobering review of Ruben Amorim’s choices following Manchester United’s 4-3 defeat to Brentford on Sunday afternoon.

The Man United manager decided to field a youthful side, indicating his desire to rest some of the more senior players in the squad ahead of their UEFA Europa League semi-final second-leg clash with Athletic Club on Thursday.

United’s lack of experience showed against Brentford, as while the team took the lead courtesy of Mason Mount, they soon capitulated once Brentford found an equaliser.

Going 3-1 down before the break, United’s fortunes only changed once some more experienced names entered the match in the second half.

Although it was a respectable comeback from United, scoring two goals late in the match to reduce the deficit, it was too little, too late as the home side held on for the win.

But while numerous youngsters started the match, some more experienced players also made their way into the starting lineup. One questionable choice was Matthijs de Ligt, who only recently returned from injury.

It would have been understandable for United fans to question Amorim’s decision, particularly if they were concerned that De Ligt may not have yet been ready to start a match.

Sadly, their worries would have proven correct, since the Dutch defender came off the pitch in the 35th minute after overextending himself in a tackle.

Boswell was quick to take note of this incident, and he did not mince his words after the final whistle.

“Strange game from a Man Utd perspective. Disappointing for so long, but then came to life with a few lovely goals late on,” Boswell told Sky Sports.

“All the focus is on the Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday, understandably, but few would have expected to see the club fall to 16 league defeats in a single campaign,” he continued, taking note of United’s horrific form in the Premier League this season.

“Ruben Amorim took a risk by fielding the third-youngest team in Premier League history and still suffered an injury blow with De Ligt going off in the first half. It didn’t look great,” he noted.

“Not ideal for the Man Utd boss, who will have plenty to ponder after that performance.”

Although Amorim’s decision to field a younger team could have been a result of his desire to rest key players ahead of the all-important Europa League match, it was still a questionable decision to start De Ligt.

Furthermore, this loss only serves to further frustrate fans, who no doubt feel frustrated with United being rooted to the bottom half of the table.

Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images

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