Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has criticised Manchester United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, saying he lacks the ability to solve the club’s growing problems.
Speaking on his podcast, the ex-Chelsea midfielder didn’t hold back, describing Amorim’s rigid tactics as “stupidity”, not strategy.
“The problem is way too much for him to deal with. He can’t fix the problem. His energy is affecting the players,” Mikel said.
Manchester United have had a poor start to the current English Premier League (EPL) season, winning only two of their first six league matches, and losing three. To make matters worse, they were recently knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town, a team from England’s fourth division.
Amorim, who favours a 3-4-3 formation, has come under fire for sticking to his system despite poor results. Mikel Obi believes this tactical inflexibility is part of the reason the club is struggling.
“His refusal to even change his lineup is not stubbornness, it is stupidity,” Mikel added. “Top managers adapt. Look at Pep Guardiola for example.”
He explained that opposing teams now find it easy to prepare for United because they always know what formation they will face.
“When Manchester United are losing, he needs to switch things, change formation. But he doesn’t.”
Despite United spending nearly €200 million on attacking players this season, performances on the pitch have remained below expectations. Fans and analysts are increasingly frustrated with the team’s lack of identity and direction.
Manchester United, one of the most successful clubs in English football history, has seen little consistency since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Several high-profile managers have come and gone, and the team has failed to mount a serious title challenge in recent years.
Amorim was appointed with high hopes due to his success at Sporting Lisbon, but the early signs have not been encouraging.
Mikel Obi, who faced Manchester United many times during his Premier League days, says a club of their size needs a more flexible and experienced manager to bring back their winning mentality.
