Manchester United's Core Issue: Player Execution Over Tactical Flaws, Says Analyst

Manchester United's recurring defensive lapses this season highlight deeper personnel challenges rather than structural shortcomings, according to football analyst Danny Murphy. While manager Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation has shown signs of improved compactness, individual mistakes continue to overshadow tactical progress.

Despite a respectable start to the Premier League campaign, United’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City exposed familiar weaknesses. Murphy emphasized that critical goals conceded—such as Phil Foden’s opener in the derby—stemmed from positional negligence rather than systemic breakdowns. “The team’s shape has tightened, but preventable errors are costing them points,” he noted.

A key focus was Bruno Fernandes’ role in midfield. Deployed in a deeper position, the Portuguese playmaker’s defensive lapses proved costly. Against City, Fernandes lost track of Foden’s run, leaving the England star unmarked to score. Similar issues arose in August when Emile Smith-Rowe’s equalizer for Fulham exploited Fernandes’ defensive inattention. “His creativity from deep is unmatched, but defensive awareness must improve,” Murphy argued.

Luke Shaw’s adaptation to a center-back role also drew scrutiny. While Shaw has experience in a back three, Murphy questioned his suitability for the position long-term. The analyst pointed to Jeremy Doku’s dominance over Shaw during City’s second goal as evidence of ongoing struggles. “Players forced into unfamiliar roles risk destabilizing the entire structure,” he added.

Murphy acknowledged United’s progress in maintaining tighter defensive lines and reducing gaps between units. However, he stressed that systemic improvements are irrelevant if individual errors persist. “City’s goals weren’t products of tactical genius—they capitalized on United’s unforced mistakes,” he explained, referencing a chain of errors involving Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro during Haaland’s goal.

With United sitting mid-table after mixed results against Arsenal, Burnley, and Fulham, Murphy warned that recurring issues could derail their season. “The squad has quality, but until players execute their roles consistently, the same problems will resurface,” he concluded.

Amorim faces mounting pressure to address these personnel challenges ahead of critical fixtures, as fans demand accountability for avoidable setbacks.