Ruben Amorim insists he understands Man Utd squad 'better than anyone'

Ruben Amorim insists he understands Man Utd squad 'better than anyone'

Ruben Amorim defended his substitutions after Manchester United were booed off the pitch at Old Trafford following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Wolves.

The United head coach introduced Leny Yoro and Bendito Mantato late on as he searched for a breakthrough, but the changes drew criticism from supporters and pundits alike.

Amorim acknowledged after the match that not everyone would agree with his choices, yet stood by his judgement amid growing scrutiny of his management.

"I understand the team better than anyone. And sometimes you have the supporters on your decisions," said Amorim.

"Sometimes you have to do what you think and sometimes it's hard for them to understand. But I know when I look at the pitch, I can understand which player is tired, which player is going to struggle a lot if there is one against one all the time. And I just try to protect the team and just try to win games."

Patience among the fanbase has been tested in recent weeks. While supporters have largely backed Amorim despite his dismal record since taking charge, criticism has intensified online, and frustration spilled over at full-time against Wolves.

The reaction was heightened by the context of the opposition, with Wolves arriving at Old Trafford on the worst run of results in English top-flight history, having lost their previous 12 matches in all competitions.

Former United defender Gary Neville questioned Amorim's substitutions, also referencing a recent 1-0 win over Newcastle in which similar concerns were raised about United's game management.

The draw leaves Manchester United sixth in the Premier League on 30 points, three behind fourth-placed Liverpool, keeping them in touch with the Champions League places despite an uneven campaign.

United now face a crucial run of fixtures, starting with a home meeting against Leeds United on Sunday, before travelling to Burnley on Wednesday.

On Leeds, Amorim added: "They have a lot of pace and sometimes we struggle with pace. We prove that we can win any game in any situation in every context. We will try to do that.

"We know they change the system; the last game they rotated two players who are usually the starters, Good players, and a good manager." 

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