Home SPORT Do the stats support Amorim's decisions to offload certain Manchester United players?

Do the stats support Amorim's decisions to offload certain Manchester United players?

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Ruben Amorim
Reuben Amorim



How Manchester United players like Antony and Scott McTominay have performed after leaving the club under Ruben Amorim's tenure.


Ruben Amorim takes his Man Utd side to Brentford at the weekend on the back of a much-needed 2-1 win against Chelsea...



Ruben Amorim's Manchester United recently secured a crucial 2-1 win against Chelsea, showcasing the team's potential under his leadership. This victory might indicate that Amorim's tactical decisions and player choices are starting to pay off.


Though it will be some while before the Red Devils can say that they've turned the corner under the Portuguese, if indeed he lasts long enough for them to do just that, it's worth celebrating the little wins in the meantime.


Amorim's Vision:

  • Amorim is focused on building a cohesive team with a strong defense and quick counter-attacks.
  • He's been criticized for his defensive approach, but he's adamant about sticking to his tactics, saying, “Not even the pope will change” his system.
  • Amorim wants to establish a clear identity for the team and believes that consistency is key to success.

Mixed Fortunes for Manchester United

Three points off second, three off fourth from bottom.


If you're a glass-half-full person, then the fact is that United are only three points off of second spot in the Premier League.

However, if the glass is half empty, being sat in 11th position at the start of play and only three points above the Bees, who are currently fourth from bottom, puts an entirely different spin on things.


Ruben Amorim appears to have the full backing of Manchester United's owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, despite the team's mixed results. Ratcliffe's confidence in Amorim might stem from the manager's unwavering belief in his system and tactics. To turn things around, Amorim has already made some significant decisions, and more are likely to follow.



Manchester United's Summer Clearout Under Ruben Amorim

Manchester United has undergone significant changes under the leadership of Ruben Amorim, with several key players departing the club. Contrary to initial reports, Alejandro Garnacho has not been sold to Chelsea. However, Marcus Rashford did join Barcelona on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy for £30 million or potentially £26 million, depending on the source. Antony made his loan move to Real Betis permanent, while Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund were loaned out, reportedly due to attitude issues and lack of playing time, respectively.




Player Departures and Transfers:

Marcus Rashford: Loaned to Barcelona with an option to buy, potentially for £26-£30 million. Rashford has expressed his excitement about joining Barcelona, stating it's a club where “dreams come true” and he's looking forward to helping the team win trophies.

Jadon Sancho: Loaned out, reportedly due to attitude issues under former manager Erik ten Hag, which seem to persist under Amorim.

Antony: Made his loan move to Real Betis permanent.

Alejandro Garnacho: Still with Manchester United, no transfer reported.


Amorim's vision for Manchester United involves building a cohesive team with a strong defense and quick counter-attacks. The manager has been adamant about sticking to his tactics, saying, “Not even the pope will change” his system. With significant investments in new players, including Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, Amorim aims to strengthen the squad and achieve success.


England international Rashford certainly gave Amorim and United's fans a timely reminder of what he is about with his two goals against Newcastle in the Champions League.


A man-of-the-match performance was in keeping with what manager Hansi Flick said he sees “every day in training.”


Marcus Rashford hasn't scored in LaLiga yet, but he's made a significant impact in other areas. He provided one assist to Raphinha against Valencia and has created 10 other scoring opportunities for his teammates. Rashford has been rotating with other players, accumulating six appearances so far.

 



His pass completion rate in LaLiga is an impressive 93.3%, showcasing his ability to maintain possession and dictate the flow of the game. Observers have noted Rashford's tireless work rate off the ball, consistently pressuring defenders and chasing down loose balls.


Compared to his time at Manchester United, Rashford's demeanor at Barcelona seems transformed, as if a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. This change in attitude might be contributing to his effective play, allowing him to focus on his game without added pressure.



Rasmus Højlund's Napoli Debut

Rasmus Højlund marked his Napoli debut with a promising performance, scoring within 14 minutes against Fiorentina. This impressive start could be a turning point for the Danish striker, who had a mixed time at Manchester United.


A Change of Scenery

At Manchester United, Højlund often struggled to make an impact, playing as a lone striker and not receiving adequate support from his teammates. This lack of service hindered his goal-scoring potential. In contrast, Napoli's team dynamics might suit him better, allowing him to showcase his skills.




Comparison to Benjamin Sesko

Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko, potentially Højlund's replacement at Manchester United, is facing similar challenges in getting sufficient service from his teammates. Only time will tell if Højlund's move to Napoli will pay off and if Sesko can adapt to the team's playing style.


The Manchester United shirt can be a heavy burden when things aren't going well, but common sense needs to prevail in evaluating player performance. Asking a striker who's naturally suited to finishing crosses to run onto through balls is illogical and counterproductive. This approach suggests a lack of strategic thinking, especially from coaches who claim to be world-class.


Expecting Rasmus Højlund to perform beyond his capabilities under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim would be unfair, given the team's dynamics and playing style. Højlund's strengths and weaknesses should be considered when evaluating his performance, rather than holding him to unrealistic standards.


What makes the Brazilian's totals even more impressive is that he only had half a season in which to wreak havoc in the various competitions, having only joined the LaLiga outfit at the end of January 2025.


In the half-season prior to his move, a few months of which were under Amorim's tutelage, he managed a solitary goal and no assists, albeit in a vastly reduced amount of time.



Antony's Success at Real Betis

Antony has been thriving at Real Betis since his loan move from Manchester United in January. Despite struggling to find form at Old Trafford, Antony has rediscovered his game in Spain, playing a starring role for Los Verdiblancos. In his loan spell, he scored nine goals and provided six assists in 26 appearances, making him a key contributor to the team.


Current Performance and Future Prospects

Antony's impressive form has continued, with three goals and an assist in four appearances, showcasing his talent and work ethic. Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini praises Antony, saying he has no doubts about the player's abilities. The club may pursue a permanent deal for Antony, potentially extending his loan with a buy option or negotiating a fee around €25 million.


Antony's performances have significantly impacted Real Betis's season, helping the team climb the La Liga table. With four goals and four assists in 10 league matches, he's become a fan favorite and a crucial part of Pellegrini's lineup. Antony's success at Real Betis is attributed to the team's style of play and Pellegrini's experience in making the most of attacking players.



Antony's Radar Graphic for Real Betis 2024/25 | Opta by Stats Perform



Antony's pass completion rate at Manchester United reached 89.2%, but this statistic is somewhat misleading since it's based on only 74 passes in the Carabao Cup. A more accurate comparison can be made by looking at league performances. In the league, Antony's pass completion rate is 84%, surpassing Manchester United's overall rate of 81.4%.




The key factor contributing to Antony's improved performance appears to be the freedom he's given on the field. This newfound liberty seems to be a common thread among other players who've also shown improvement after leaving Manchester United. With Real Betis, Antony has played 18 matches, starting 16, and boasts a pass completion rate of around 78.51% in the MLS 2025 season, with 526 successful passes out of 670 attempts.


The Elephant in the Room at Old Trafford

The question of whether Manchester United's players are truly at fault for the team's struggles has sparked debate, especially considering Scott McTominay's remarkable transformation. After being deemed not good enough by Erik ten Hag, McTominay joined Napoli and went on to win Serie A's Most Valuable Player award. His success in Italy has been nothing short of impressive, with 12 goals and 6 assists in 34 league matches, helping Napoli secure the Scudetto.



A Change in Circumstances

McTominay's experience highlights the importance of finding the right fit. At Manchester United, he struggled to find consistency, but under Antonio Conte's guidance at Napoli, he's thrived. The Italian manager has given McTominay a defined role and set of responsibilities, allowing him to excel. This raises questions about the management and utilization of Manchester United's players, particularly those who've struggled to replicate their form under different coaches.


Rashford and Others: A Potential Turning Point?

If players like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, who've faced challenges at Manchester United, go on to achieve similar success stories, it may prompt a reevaluation of the team's dynamics. The club might need to assess its approach to player development, tactics and coaching. As McTominay's story demonstrates, sometimes a change of scenery or a fresh perspective can be the catalyst for success.






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