Manchester United turned down the chance to appoint Ruben Amorim over the summer due to concerns over his playing style.
That’s according to talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook who believes that the Red Devils’ indecision is costing the club this term.
Having kept faith with Erik ten Hag and backing him in the summer transfer market, INEOS then sacked the Dutchman before appointing Amorim as his replacement on November 1.
Since bringing in the former Sporting boss, United have struggled for consistency and are currently on a run of four consecutive defeats.
One criticism aimed at them is that the players don’t seem ready to implement Amorim’s high-tempo, high-intensity style of play due to the difference in philosophy to that of Ten Hag.
But discussing the issue of players getting up to speed with Amorim’s plans, Crook told White and Jordan: “That’s on INEOS then, isn’t it?
“They did pre-season with one manager playing one style of football – not that we ever really knew what it was – then they spent a load of money to get players suited to that manager before firing him.”
Troy Deeney replied: “And now they’ve gone a completely different route.”
Crook continued: “Also, I know this for a fact, that ownership were offered Ruben Amorim in the summer when they were doing a beauty parade of different managers.
“They were speaking to Roberto De Zerbi, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Tuchel and they said no to Amorim because his style didn’t fit this Man United squad.
“They then hired him X amount of weeks later. It doesn’t fill you with confidence, does it?”
But Sam Matterface took a different stance, saying: “It does because knowing that information it shows that they’re clearly planning fo the long term rather than the sport term.
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“That should probably fill you with more confidence!”
However Crook replied: “Nothing that they’ve done so far has filled me with confidence.”
As someone who only recently hung up his boots, Deeney provided some insight into exactly why pre-season is so important in getting ready for the season ahead.
He explained: “There’s fit, match fit and tactically fit- there’s different ways of doing it.
“The problem this manager is going to have is getting these players fit during the season.
“I’ve missed pre-season twice in my career due to injury – that season I may have done okay but I never once felt good. Pre-season is huge as a player.”
United slumped to another lacklustre defeat at home to Newcastle on Monday, being beaten 2-0.
And things won’t get any easier for Amorim and co as they face a trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday before heading to Arsenal for an FA Cup clash next weekend.
