Phil Jones urges Amorim to make simple yet vital tactical tweak to strengthen Man United | OneFootball

With a clear opportunity to climb to fifth in the Premier League table by beating West Ham, Manchester United contrived to squander it, settling for a 1-1 draw with the Hammers.

Although a draw might be considered a fair result, many United fans will feel the Red Devils should have won the match.

United did not make a bright start to the game, but they gradually grew into the contest. Their relentless pressure on the East Londoners eventually bore fruit in the 58th minute, when Diogo Dalot pounced on a rebound from a Casemiro effort and fired the ball decisively into the net.

At 1-0, with 32 minutes still to play, the expectation was that United would push on and secure the victory. Instead, they failed to double their advantage and, frustratingly, conceded from a corner, leaving them to settle for a disappointing draw.

Reaction to the West Ham draw

Much has been said about how United let the game slip, with head coach Ruben Amorim facing heavy criticism. His substitutions have been questioned, and his team selection has come under scrutiny.

Many United fans and pundits have been bold enough to highlight what the Portuguese tactician is getting wrong.

Phil Jones advises Amorim

One such voice is former United defender Phil Jones. Speaking on ESPN FC after that frustrating draw Thursday night, Jones did not mince his words: “I look at the system they’re playing, if you run through the team quickly.

“You’ve go:  Luke Shaw playing left of a back three when his first position is probably left back. You’ve got Diogo Dalot at times playing left wing-back when he’s probably a right back.

“Bruno Fernandes playing as a six when his best position probably is a 10.

“Amad Diallo playing right wing-back when he’s probably a seven or 11 in most teams. So yes, he’s trying to get the best out of players, but maybe playing these players in probably the second or third best suited position.”

Jones spot on

Jones is absolutely correct in his assessment. His remarks not only highlight the compromises Amorim has been forced to make, but also underline the urgent need for INEOS to invest heavily in this United squad.

Nevertheless, while Amorim awaits the board’s backing to assemble his dream team, he can help himself by deploying players in their natural positions.

For instance, Luke Shaw could be restored to left wing-back once Lisandro Martínez returns, Dalot should operate at right wing-back (particularly with Amad set to leave for AFCON), and Bruno Fernandes must return to playing as a No.10.

Playing his key players in their strongest positions would undoubtedly make United more cohesive and competitive, while also giving the recruitment team a clearer picture of where reinforcements are required.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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