Don’t celebrate this win too much. You only got lucky this time. You have not set yourself apart from the previous manager. Your tactics are still all over the place” – This is according to Edwin van Der Sar as the Manchester United legend delivers harsh reality check to Ruben Amorim with remark about Lisandro Martinez

Edwin van der Sar, a revered figure in Manchester United’s illustrious history, has offered a scathing critique of the club’s current trajectory under Ruben Amorim. Following United’s narrow 1-0 win over Fulham, Van der Sar didn’t mince words as he dissected the team’s performance, calling it uninspiring and riddled with tactical confusion. His remarks have ignited a debate among fans and pundits about the direction United is heading under their new manager.

Van der Sar’s concerns stem from the nature of the victory against Fulham, where United managed only one shot on target throughout the entire game. That shot, a speculative effort by Lisandro Martínez, only found the net after a heavy deflection off Fulham’s midfielder, Sasa Lukic. For a club that prides itself on attacking football, this was a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done.

Speaking to TNT Sports, the Dutchman acknowledged the importance of the three points but quickly dismissed the performance as subpar. “The result is good for the winning manager, but the performance was far from impressive,” Van der Sar stated. He went on to emphasize that Manchester United’s success hinges not just on individual moments of luck but on sustained, cohesive performances.

Ruben Amorim, who took over the managerial reins with high expectations, has yet to stamp his authority on the team’s playing style. While fans have been patient, hoping for progress, Van der Sar’s comments have highlighted the pressing need for tactical clarity. “You cannot rely on isolated moments or lucky deflections to win games consistently,” he warned.

The match against Fulham, though a win, served as a glaring example of United’s struggles to create meaningful chances. Despite the immense talent within the squad, the team appeared disjointed, lacking both creativity and cohesion in the final third. Fulham, a mid-table side, managed to contain United’s attack with relative ease, raising questions about the manager’s ability to adapt to different opponents.

Van der Sar’s remarks also touched on a broader issue – consistency. “It’s not just about what you do on Saturdays; it’s about delivering midweek and every time you step on the pitch,” he added. For a club like Manchester United, which aspires to dominate both domestically and in Europe, sporadic flashes of brilliance won’t suffice.

Lisandro Martínez, who emerged as the unlikely hero, has been one of United’s more consistent performers this season. However, relying on a defender’s long-range strike as the sole source of goals underscores the team’s lack of attacking impetus. Van der Sar’s comments about Martínez were pointed yet constructive, urging the team to better utilize their creative players to alleviate the burden on the backline.

The Dutchman’s critique isn’t just limited to the players but also extends to Ruben Amorim’s tactical setup. Amorim’s high-pressing style, which worked wonders at Sporting CP, has yet to translate effectively at Old Trafford. Van der Sar hinted that Amorim’s tactical identity remains unclear, likening his approach to that of the previous manager. “You have not set yourself apart from the previous manager,” he said, adding weight to the mounting pressure on Amorim to deliver results in a convincing manner.

While some fans appreciated Van der Sar’s candidness, others felt it was too harsh, especially considering Amorim’s limited time with the squad. However, even his staunchest defenders cannot deny that performances like the one against Fulham leave much to be desired.

The lack of attacking fluidity has been a recurring theme this season. Key players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, who are expected to drive United’s offense, have struggled to find form. Van der Sar’s critique serves as a reminder that individual brilliance can only take a team so far; the manager must cultivate a system that brings out the best in his players.

For Ruben Amorim, the path forward is clear but challenging. He must address these concerns head-on and work to instill a sense of identity and purpose in the squad. The January transfer window could offer an opportunity to strengthen key areas, but it’s the tactical adjustments that will ultimately determine whether he succeeds or falters.

Van der Sar’s parting words were particularly poignant: “Don’t celebrate this win too much. You only got lucky this time.” While harsh, these words encapsulate the frustration felt by many fans who have grown weary of inconsistent performances. The victory over Fulham may have brought three points, but it also exposed the cracks that Amorim must urgently fix.

As Manchester United prepare for their next fixtures, the pressure on Ruben Amorim will only intensify. Van der Sar’s critique has undoubtedly added fuel to the fire, but it may also serve as a wake-up call for the team and its manager. For a club with a legacy as rich as United’s, mediocrity is not an option.

Only time will tell whether Amorim can rise to the occasion and guide United back to their former glory. Until then, performances like the one against Fulham will continue to draw scrutiny, and voices like Van der Sar’s will remind everyone of the high standards expected at Old Trafford.