1
For the first time in the history of the Premier League, Manchester United lost a match at Old Trafford against an opponent with only ten men.
Another unwanted record broken by Ruben Amorim as the Red Devils lost to Everton on Monday, despite the Toffees being a man down from the 13th minute.
While his refusal to change shape in the first half wasn’t well received, his substitution calls really didn’t help.
Patrick Dorgu was struggling but the head coach turned to Diogo Dalot when he needed a goal in an absolutely shocking decision. He could have moved Noussair Mazraoui to the left, while he could have brought Amad back to the right.
Why does Amorim continue to trust Dalot?
Naturally, Dalot produced a shocking performance going forward, with 0 successful crosses and 0 dribbles. He was safe and conservative with his death as expected (all statistics taken from bankscore).
This particular match was the perfect time to play Bruno Fernandes as one of the attacking midfielders, especially as Joshua Zirkzee struggled to influence the game.
| Statistics | Diogo Dalot | Kobbie Mainoo |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 0 | 0 |
| Assists | 0 | 0 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 0.04 | 0.11 |
| Key cards | 1 | 1 |
| Cross (accurate) | 1 (0) | 2 (1) |
| Precise passes | 21/21 (100%) | 17/20 (85%) |
| Passes in opposition half (according to) | 18/19 (95%) | 13/16 (81%) |
| Passing in own half (according to) | 2/2 (100%) | 3/4 (75%) |
| Touches | 29 | 27 |
| Failed touches | — | 2 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) |
| Property lost | 1 | 6 |
| Total shots | 0 | 0 |
| Shots on target | 0 | 0 |
| Shots blocked | 0 | 0 |
| Tackles (won) | 2 (1) | 0 (0) |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
| Clearances | 2 | 0 |
| Blocked shots | 0 | 0 |
| Chargebacks | 3 | 1 |
| Ground duels (won) | 2 (2) | 1 (0) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 2 (1) | 2 (0) |
| Violations | — | 1 |
| Dribbled past | 0 | 0 |
statistics of bankscore
But Amorim chose to push him even deeper, throwing to Kobbie Mainoo. The Englishman has been desperate for minutes and has been threatening to leave the club since the summer.
And on Monday’s evidence, he would need to be loaned out to restore his confidence. The Carrington graduate looked like a man out of ideas with the ball.
Shocking cameo from Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo completed 0 dribbles and, most importantly, lost all three duels (both on the ground and in the air combined).
It was a chastening display and a reminder that United haven’t really changed in one year under Amorim as he continues to struggle at the helm.
The Red Devils remain tenth in the Premier League, and based on the coach’s puzzling calls and displays of overhyped players, not too much improvement is expected this season.
United play Crystal Palace next, another big game. Hopefully Amorim can welcome a few players before the draw.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of Man United’s most important news sites for over ten years. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
#Amorims #substitutions #Everton #difference #Man #United #News #Transfer #News #Peoples #Person