Man Utd fans stunned as Alex Iwobi dismantles Ruben Amorim’s tactics after Fulham draw

Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage ended in a 1-1 draw, but the post-match reaction has been dominated by Alex Iwobi’s sharp tactical breakdown of Rúben Amorim’s setup. The Nigerian midfielder openly explained how Fulham targeted United’s midfield, leaving Red Devils fans stunned and worried about their team’s direction.

United looked in control for much of the opening half. They pressed high, moved the ball quickly, and threatened through Matheus Cunha, who came close to scoring before Rodrigo Muniz accidentally turned the ball into his own net early in the second half. At that point, it seemed Amorim’s men were on course for a routine away victory.

But instead of building on their advantage, United lost their rhythm. Fulham regrouped and slowly took command of the midfield battle. Marco Silva’s substitutions proved decisive, as Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench and struck a precise equaliser in the 73rd minute. From that moment, United looked vulnerable, leaving questions about their game management.

Iwobi’s comments after the match only added fuel to the fire. Speaking to Sky Sports, he revealed that Fulham deliberately targeted the spaces around Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, exploiting their lack of defensive cover. “We knew we could get behind their two midfielders and that the centre-backs would want to jump,” Iwobi said. “We exploited that today, and it gave us the resilience to come back.”

For United supporters, hearing an opponent speak so openly about exposing their weaknesses was alarming. On social media, many fans admitted that the flaws Iwobi pointed out have been evident for months. Some demanded immediate investment in a defensive midfielder, while others questioned whether Amorim’s system is suitable for the Premier League.

One fan wrote on X: “The proof is right there, our midfield can’t run. Invest in the position NOW!” Another added: “Everyone knows this. Without a proper defensive midfielder, this system will collapse.” Rival supporters were quick to pile on, with one comment bluntly stating: “It doesn’t speak well of a coach when he has no tactical flexibility.”

Amorim himself acknowledged that his side’s mentality after taking the lead was part of the problem. The Portuguese coach admitted his players abandoned their principles too quickly, opting to sit back rather than push for a second goal. “We scored and then we forgot how we play,” Amorim said. “Everyone wanted to hold onto the lead, but that’s when we should have pressed harder and enjoyed our advantage.”

He also insisted the performance reflected a team still in transition. “We have to grow up a lot,” Amorim explained. “The players worked very hard during the week and again today. The effort is there, but the understanding of how to control a game is not. That will take time.”

Despite the manager’s calm words, there is a growing sense of unease among supporters. This was another example of United surrendering control in a match they seemed to have in their hands. It also raised the question of whether Amorim has the right personnel to implement his philosophy, or if further reinforcements are required before his vision can truly take shape.

Fulham, meanwhile, left the pitch encouraged by their second-half fightback. Marco Silva praised his side’s adaptability and the impact of his substitutes, noting that the team showed maturity against one of the league’s biggest clubs. For Iwobi, it was a performance that highlighted both his tactical intelligence and Fulham’s growing belief.

For United, however, the fallout is more complicated. Supporters are split between patience with Amorim’s project and frustration at seeing the same midfield issues resurface yet again. The fact that an opponent could so clearly describe how to exploit United’s system has only intensified the debate around Amorim’s tactical flexibility.

As the season progresses, the pressure on United’s new manager will only grow. Matches like this one—where early dominance turns into disappointment—will not be tolerated for long at Old Trafford. Whether Amorim can tighten his midfield and silence the critics may well define his first season in charge.