Man Utd legend pins blame on transfer error as Red Devils' poor run continues

Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has spoken out about the Red Devils' troubles despite Ruben Amorim's appointment.

Manchester United parted ways with Erik ten Hag in October after the Dutch manager guided the Red Devils to a disastrous start to the 2024–25 season. After signing Amorim as head coach last month, United has yet to achieve the type of turnaround in form that supporters had hoped for, with the 20-time Premier League winners winning only four times in the Portuguese coach's first nine games in charge. Stam has explained why he believes Manchester United's difficulties are continuing under Amorim.

Former Manchester United defender 'Jaap Stam.'

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Stam told SportLens: "We could see what Erik ten Hag was trying to do at Manchester United and how he wanted to play from his time at Ajax, but the players struggled." That is up to both the management and the players to implement the game plan that they have been taught during matches.

"The same huge concern remains with Amorim as it was with Ten Hag: can the players adapt and dominate games under his three-at-the-back style. Despite a few wins, they are still not extremely dominating in how they play inside the new system, which Ten Hag experienced when he first joined the club.

"I believe the manager understands that the club is not yet up to par, which is why there will be interest in the transfer window in terms of signing players as well as individuals who may go.

"You need defenders who can play in huge gaps, especially when the wing-backs are high up the pitch, and two midfielders who can be good in possession while still having the legs to get up and down the pitch.

"The strikers must be able to make runs in behind while also dropping into deep positions, which is why the manager is trying everyone to see whether they can meet his expectations. Some players have struggled to adjust to the intensity of the Premier League.

Stam also feels Manchester United made a mistake in moving Scott McTominay to Napoli this summer, saying: "Scott McTominay has had a very important impact at Manchester United, even though he wasn't a certain starter. He scored goals and made a significant contribution, and those are the players you don't want to lose as a football club.

"Leaving may have been a positive move for him, as is presently being considered with Marcus Rashford, but he may have preferred to stay. He has been a key player for Napoli, and his confidence is building as he starts most games, therefore I believe selling him was a horrible decision at United.

"Sometimes you have to make tough decisions as a club and I understand that, but I wouldn't have been keen to sell McTominay."

The Red Devils have clearly improved under Amorim compared to Ten Hag, but it is apparent that the squad still needs time to adjust to the Portuguese coach's expectations. Their next game will be against Wolves on Boxing Day.