Owen Hargreaves has expressed his surprise and disbelief over Ruben Amorim’s decision to substitute Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United’s 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest.
Fernandes had been instrumental for United, scoring and assisting, but was taken off with 14 minutes left as the hosts chased an equalizer.
Hargreaves, speaking after the match for Premier League Productions, suggested that Amorim would likely regret this decision, especially with Fernandes having been the focal point of United’s attacks.
Hargreaves was particularly critical of the timing of the substitution, noting that Fernandes was involved in both of United’s goals.
He said, “I was amazed he went off. He created a goal, scored another, and at the crucial part of the game when you need a goal, you take him off?” Hargreaves continued, emphasizing that Fernandes and Amad Diallo were the key players capable of creating opportunities for United.
“If anything he’s the guy right now, him and Amad, are the two where you’d say they’re going to create you something,” he added.
Jermain Defoe, another pundit on the show, shared Hargreaves’ surprise. He pointed out that Fernandes was key in orchestrating the play that led to Rasmus Hojlund’s goal, saying,
“Everything goes through him… you can see that he’s coaching it, that must be massive for a manager.” Both pundits were left baffled by the decision to remove such a pivotal player at a critical time.
Alongside his criticism of Amorim’s substitution, Hargreaves also discussed Manchester United’s ongoing issues with squad rotation.
He noted that Amorim has yet to find a settled lineup, particularly in defense and attack. “I do think his team in the end will be Mazraoui, Yoro, Martinez, I think that’ll be his back three,” Hargreaves said, highlighting the defensive uncertainty.
He also pointed to the challenges Amorim faces with inconsistent player selections, especially up front.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the team, Hargreaves did highlight Amad Diallo as one of the few players who is guaranteed a starting spot.
He referred to the Ivorian winger as “undroppable,” stating, “I think none of the boys at the top of the pitch are undroppable outside of Amad maybe.
” This suggests that while other attacking players may rotate, Amad’s performances have earned him a permanent place in the starting XI.
Hargreaves concluded by stating that Amorim is still in the process of figuring out his best lineup for Manchester United.
“He hasn’t had a settled back three, he hasn’t had a settled midfield two, and at the top of the pitch, he’s rotating,” Hargreaves explained.
The former United player pointed out that the manager is still searching for the right balance and combinations, but the constant rotation has led to inconsistency in performances.