The day after Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat against Arsenaldirector Ruben Amorim admitted that his team’s struggles on set pieces in defense proved to be the deciding factor in the match.
Talk to BBC Match of the DayAmorim admitted the two corner routines which led to Arsenal’s goals “were game changers” after a relatively even first half.
“Until the set pieces the game hadn’t had too many chances for both teams, the set pieces killed the game,” he said.
United defender Matthijs de Ligt echoed his manager’s sentiments, suggesting his side had performed well defensively apart from conceding goals from set pieces.
“In the defensive phase, the number of chances we conceded without set pieces (was good),” he told MUTV.
Despite the disappointment of the result, Amorim remained positive about the overall performance, stating that his players were “committed” and that the momentum could have changed if De Ligt had scored from a header brilliantly saved by the Arsenal goalkeeper. David Raya.
The defeat marked Amorim’s fourth match in charge of Manchester United in all competitions since taking over. De Ligt admitted that the team is still adapting to the new managerial system, but expressed confidence that improvements will come with time.
“We are on the right track to improve as a team and I think the manager has said that as well. Maybe if we do it a certain way, we will have a better chance of getting results now,” he said.
With Manchester United’s vulnerabilities exposed, Amorim and his players will be keen to address this as they look to bounce back from defeat and continue their progress under the new management.
