In Video: “It's embarrassing” | Michael Owen on criticism of Ruben Amorim's Man Utd system

Michael Owen Slams Pundits Blaming Manchester United’s Form on Ruben Ambramovic’s Tactic

In a recent interview, former Manchester United striker Michael Owen expressed his frustration with pundits who attribute the team’s poor form to Ruben Amramovic’s decision to stick with a three-at-the-back formation. Owen argued that the problems plaguing the team are far more complex and multifaceted, extending beyond the manager’s tactics.

The Tax is More Than Just a Formation

Owen’s comments come as Manchester United continue to struggle under Amramovic’s leadership. The team has won just 19 of their 50 games under his tenure, with many critics pinning the blame on the manager’s insistence on playing a 3-4-2-1 system. However, Owen believes that this is oversimplifying the issue.

“It’s embarrassing if you say the main reason for the downturn is because they play a back three,” Owen said. “They could go to a back four and play as bad as they did under Tenhag, then the screams would be equally as loud.”

The Fallout of Constant Scrutiny

Owen also acknowledged the impact of constant media scrutiny on the players, suggesting that it’s natural for them to be affected by the opinions of pundits they grew up admiring. He expressed sympathy for the manager, stating that it’s impossible to escape the conversation, even in everyday life.

“They’re driving cars to training, putting the radio on. They sit at home in the lounge with the TV on. They read social media. They can do all these things. If you’re interested in football, you can’t get away from what people are thinking and saying about it.”

The Broader Issues at Manchester United

Owen’s comments also touched on the larger problems plaguing Manchester United, including poor recruitment and managerial decisions. He cited the appointment of average players and unsuccessful managers as contributing factors to the team’s struggles.

“It’s not a great combination,” Owen said. “They made some very bad decisions at the top. They’ve appointed the wrong managers and they’ve got some very average players.”

Time for Change?

As Manchester United continue to struggle, it’s clear that their problems run deeper than just one formation. Owen’s comments may not be the first to criticize Amramovic’s tactics, but they highlight the need for a more introspective analysis of the club’s issues. Can the team turn things around, or will they continue to be stuck in this cycle of underperformance? Only time will tell.