“Ruben Amorim is the main reason that Man United is going through this rough patch. The root cause of the problem Man United is facing could have been fixed by him when he freshly joined as the manager but he decided to ignore” – This is according to Jamie Carragher as he points out the single ‘MAJOR error’ Ruben Amorim has committed as Manchester United manager following the derby triumph, which has placed the team in a ‘difficult spot.’

Jamie Carragher has pointed out what he considers to be Ruben Amorim’s biggest mistake since taking charge at Manchester United.

Amorim, who built a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young managers thanks to his successes at Sporting Lisbon, was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s successor in November. The 39-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, with an option for a 12-month extension.

His mission was to reverse United’s fortunes after their disastrous start to the Premier League season, where they had won just three of their first nine games, leading to Ten Hag’s dismissal.

Amorim’s tenure began with mixed results, including a draw with Ipswich, a win over Everton, and back-to-back league defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. The situation improved momentarily when United staged a dramatic late comeback to beat Manchester City 2-1, with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.

However, Carragher highlighted a critical error Amorim made shortly after that memorable derby win. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Liverpool defender stated that the manager’s decision to heavily rotate the team for an EFL Cup quarter-final against Spurs cost United valuable momentum.

“The one big mistake he made was the team he picked at Tottenham,” Carragher explained. “Not necessarily because it was a cup game, but because of the momentum they had after beating Manchester City. You had to keep that going.”

Amorim made five changes to the side that had beaten City, but the gamble backfired as United were knocked out of the cup in a chaotic 4-3 defeat to Tottenham. Despite mounting a spirited comeback from 3-0 down, individual errors proved costly, and United failed to capitalize on their momentum.

Carragher added: “The buzz from the City win was massive—beating Pep Guardiola and their biggest rivals. To go to Tottenham and make those changes wasn’t necessary. Now, they’ve lost three league games in a row, and they’re in a really poor position.”

United’s subsequent Premier League form only worsened, with three consecutive defeats leaving them 14th in the table ahead of their clash with Newcastle on Monday. Carragher’s comments underscore the delicate balance of momentum and consistency in a manager’s early tenure, especially at a club with the high expectations of Manchester United.

Jamie Carragher’s analysis of Ruben Amorim’s early tenure at Manchester United highlights the fine margins managers face, especially in high-pressure environments like Old Trafford. His criticism regarding the decision to rotate heavily against Tottenham in the EFL Cup provides insight into the broader challenges Amorim has encountered.

### **Key Points from Carragher’s Critique**
1. **Momentum Lost After Derby Win:**
– The dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester City had the potential to galvanize the team and spark a sustained resurgence.
– The decision to rotate five players for the EFL Cup quarter-final against Spurs disrupted the momentum gained from that victory.

2. **The Cost of Rotation:**
– United’s chaotic 4-3 defeat to Tottenham not only saw them eliminated from a cup competition but also damaged their morale and confidence.
– Individual errors and defensive lapses in that match highlighted the risks of changing a settled side.

3. **Impact on Premier League Form:**
– Following the Spurs loss, United’s league form plummeted, with three consecutive defeats pushing them down to 14th in the table.
– Carragher argues that keeping a consistent lineup could have helped United maintain their upward trajectory after the City win.

4. **Strategic Misstep:**
– Carragher’s assessment points to the importance of balancing squad rotation with the need to maintain rhythm and momentum, especially after a landmark victory.
– The Spurs game may now be seen as a turning point in Amorim’s tenure, where an opportunity to build on success was squandered.

### **Challenges for Ruben Amorim**
– **Squad Depth and Rotation:**
Amorim may have felt compelled to rotate due to fixture congestion or concerns about player fatigue, but the gamble didn’t pay off.

– **Building Consistency:**
With United already struggling, every match has become crucial. The lack of consistent performances and results has made it difficult to instill confidence within the squad.

– **Managing Expectations:**
Taking over a club like Manchester United mid-season, especially after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, comes with immense pressure to deliver results immediately.

### **Carragher’s Broader Message**
Carragher’s remarks underscore the importance of maintaining momentum in football, especially for a new manager trying to establish their philosophy. Momentum can build belief and cohesion, but disruptions—whether through rotation or tactical missteps—can derail progress.

### **Looking Ahead**
Amorim must now focus on:
– Restoring confidence in the squad, particularly with key players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
– Striking the right balance between rotation and stability to navigate the demanding fixture schedule.
– Addressing defensive frailties and individual errors that have plagued United this season.

The upcoming fixtures, starting with the clash against Newcastle, will be crucial in determining whether Amorim can reverse United’s slide and start delivering the consistency fans expect.