‘We still had…’ Matthijs de Ligt disagrees with Ruben Amorim on why Man Utd lost to Spurs

Manchester United and Ruben Amorim are once again forced to reassess their progress after suffering a third defeat to Tottenham Hotspur this season. This latest loss, a narrow 1-0 defeat, has only compounded the growing frustration among the fans and within the squad.

The game, played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was one where United had their chances but failed to capitalize. The primary reason for their struggles, according to Amorim, was an injury crisis that severely hampered his tactical plans. With multiple key players ruled out due to injuries sustained in midweek training, he was left with little choice but to include several academy players in the squad.

Despite their injury woes, United still fielded a lineup that should have been capable of securing at least a draw. However, the lack of finishing in front of goal proved costly. The Red Devils controlled large portions of the game, created goal-scoring opportunities, but ultimately failed to find the back of the net.

Following the game, both Ruben Amorim and Matthijs de Ligt addressed the media, but their perspectives on the loss diverged significantly. While Amorim pointed to the disruption caused by injuries, De Ligt saw a deeper issue that needed addressing.

Amorim, in his post-match press conference, emphasized how the continuous injuries forced him to make drastic adjustments to the lineup and tactics. He explained how the absence of key players altered United’s game plan and left the team vulnerable.

“You start with one idea, you prepare all week with a plan in mind, and then suddenly, day after day, you lose players. That changes your entire approach to the game,” Amorim stated. “I couldn’t play the same way with Joshua [Zirkzee] as I can with Amad [Diallo]. The moment you keep adjusting to fit the available squad, the cohesion breaks down.”

Amorim’s remarks reflect a coach trying to manage expectations while dealing with unforeseen circumstances. However, De Ligt had a different view. The Dutch defender, known for his leadership qualities, dismissed injuries as an excuse for the loss.

“I think the urgency, the hunger to score, that’s something that may be lacking,” De Ligt said. “It’s not just the attackers’ responsibility; it’s also on the midfield and defense. We had a starting XI with first-team players. It’s not ideal to lose five players in one week, but that’s football. You have to deal with it.”

De Ligt’s comments highlight an internal divide within the squad. While the manager sees external factors as the main reason for the loss, the players—at least some of them—believe it’s more about mentality and execution. This difference in opinion could lead to deeper discussions within the dressing room about United’s approach to adversity.

It is true that injuries disrupted the balance of the squad, but United still had enough firepower to get a result. The team was structured well in attack but lacked the cutting edge to convert opportunities into goals. This has been a recurring issue throughout the season, and it is one that needs urgent addressing.

Moreover, this defeat adds to a season filled with inconsistency for United. While Amorim has been praised for his communication skills and ability to explain his tactical reasoning, results have been underwhelming. The pressure is mounting, and fans are growing increasingly frustrated.

One thing is certain: the loss to Spurs was not just about injuries. The team lacked the intensity required to break down a well-drilled Tottenham defense. United’s passing was at times lethargic, and the final ball was often wasteful. These are aspects that go beyond missing personnel.

The defeat also raises concerns about United’s ability to compete against the top sides. Spurs have now beaten them three times this season, suggesting that Ange Postecoglou’s side has a clear tactical edge over Amorim’s United.

Amorim’s tenure so far has been marked by moments of promise but also glaring setbacks. If Manchester United are to turn their season around, they must find a way to grind out results even when injuries strike. Excuses can only go so far.

With the FA Cup and crucial league fixtures coming up, the Red Devils must find solutions quickly. The next few weeks will be pivotal for Amorim and his squad. A strong response is needed to silence the growing criticism and prove that they can handle adversity.

Whether United can bounce back remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the squad must rediscover its hunger and ruthlessness in front of goal. If they don’t, more painful results could follow, and Amorim’s job security could become a topic of serious discussion.