Ruben Amorim: Improved display down to intensity and bravery of Man Utd players

Ruben Amorim insisted Manchester United’s improved performance in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal was down to the intensity and bravery of his players rather than any tactical tweaks to his system.

One of the best displays in recent memory from United went unrewarded as an Altay Bayindir error allowed Riccardo Calafiori to head Arsenal in front early on, with United unable to convert any of their 22 attempts at goal.

Although they suffered defeat, many United fans left Old Trafford feeling upbeat about the impact of new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in a revitalised attack that kept Arsenal pegged back for long stretches.

After Amorim arrived midway through last term, United appeared to struggle to adapt to his 3-4-3 system for much of a season that ended with a 15th-placed finish in the Premier League, their worst campaign in 51 years.

But asked if tactical improvements were behind Sunday’s display, Amorim said on MUTV: “The system is overrated. It’s not the system. You saw sometimes we defended with five, with four, with three. Most of the game, it was three against three.

“So it’s more about the intensity our players play at, if they are brave, if they are talented, if they are powerful. We show a little bit more than that.

“We have a lot to do and have to focus on the next one. I think also, they understand better the way we have to do it.

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