Matthijs de Ligt believes he and his Manchester United team-mates must take responsibility for the Red Devils' struggles, defending Ruben Amorim's tactical approach.
United were beaten 3-1 by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, a result that leaves them 14th in the Premier League table with just seven points from six matches.
United are now winless in their last eight Premier League away games (two draws, six defeats), their worst run since another eight-match streak in 2019 (three draws, five losses).
They have also conceded the opening goal in 21 different Premier League games since Amorim took the reins last November, the most of any team in the division.
And since the Portuguese took the job, Tottenham (33) are the only ever-present Premier League club to earn fewer points than United's 34.
Amorim has attracted fierce criticism for a refusal to deviate from his preferred 3-4-3 system, but De Ligt does not believe that is the most important issue.
"Of course, it's always easy to look to the manager but, in the end, the players on the pitch have to do it," the defender said. "You guys always talk about the system.
"That also has a lot to do with focus, concentration and, if that's lacking in key moments, it's going to make a difference."
United's defeat to Brentford came after they beat Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford one week earlier, in a game that saw both teams reduced to 10 men.
But the Red Devils were trounced 3-0 by rivals Manchester City earlier this month, while they also exited the EFL Cup with an embarrassing penalty shoot-out defeat to Grimsby Town.
"If you lose this game, it's a big blow, obviously," De Ligt added. "A lot of times, it is the same song, but we have to stick together. It's the most important thing.
"We lost against City, we won against Chelsea, so for the next game, we have to analyse what went wrong in this game because a lot of things went wrong."
Iffy106
0
Man United problem is not Coach or players let Sir Alex Ferguson come and explain what Man United have to do maybe they should bring back Onward Webb & Mark Glattenberg to come and official all Man United matches in EPL
blackBeed
0
man united should try this definsive lineup
[image]
this can still evolve into a back 5, are you dumb?
vosablnot
0
man united should try this definsive lineup
Wocbnopry
0
man u should apologize to LVG... or be relegated next season
Teodenru
0
Yes the players play like they have won the league already
Mide_reignz
0
De Ligt u has all reason to say so because of ur own personal interests for the coach to always favour u . AMORIM should be SACK with immediate effect, his 343 style of play can not match with the premier League football and he said he will never change his style of play. so sack him immediately and bring in CRYSTAL PALACE COACH OLIVER GLASNER best replacement for AMORIM
Y’all Man.U fans are all bunch of fools, check crystal palace formation, they used it to beat Man city, Liverpool and other teams, talk to ur players to work harder
Stautx
1
Too many idiots claiming to be Manchester United fans. Most of them have never played football at any level before. Crying for the manager to be sacked because of his formation is out of order. The players are to blame. Give the manager a break. You know what I mean, fools.
you don't need to have played football at any level to become a football fan you fool. I don't think you've ever been in a classroom before. most of the fans you are talking about pay for tickets and go to games, buy shirts and subscribe to club packages which I am very certain you don't, so they have the right to have their opinions and criticise the manager if he isn't doing well.
suaaekpu
2
If Amorim should play 1. 10, 1.5.5 or whatever formation, he will not be applauded by some RED DEVILS fans. Get behind the manager or get tf off his back. Manchester United fans should get used to Bruno Fernandez not scoring a penalty, instead of blaming Amorim.
suaaekpu
2
Too many idiots claiming to be Manchester United fans. Most of them have never played football at any level before. Crying for the manager to be sacked because of his formation is out of order. The players are to blame. Give the manager a break. You know what I mean, fools.
Tonybiz
0
People don't see it but Bruno Fernandes is the problem for united. He doesn't have the IQ of a midfielder. He can't control the tempo of the game.
Bruno doesn’t fit into the coach system but don’t say that trash about such amazing attacking midfielder. He has always played behind a striker and only there will you see his performance. Amorin plays 2 center Defensive midfielder and no steady attack in the middle to create. The coach only needs change formation to suit him because it has always been so difficult for United to play without Bruno
Buwbemopyz
0
We are going nowhere slowly with this guy . He's got no clue whatsoever to what he is doing . Prepare for relegation guys cz that's what's coming for Utd if they gna stick with Amorim
I second you
Vapeoprz
1
coach does not play he need to put players who can fight not this poor players
Webadiklsu
0
De light praises the guy bcz he plays his number, but most of the other platers are in the wrong numbers .How do you deploy Bruno to play deep midfield, and yet you know his area of his strength and tjonk you will get results? another important thing there is novteam in English premier league which plays one holding midfield and succeed. tjis guy is lying down, and he will not manage.
Vazabkly
1
you always put blame on the coach what about the players, what are they doing there
kingpromise345
0
if we try this formation we will win any team
[image]
Ragnick and ten hag tried stop deceiving ur self your team is bad
Emperor10
0
Your brother friend has always been with one club since. Bad decisions
Madamsyz
0
yellow shorts and socks looks akward for united tho
Samainrtz
0
We are going nowhere slowly with this guy . He's got no clue whatsoever to what he is doing . Prepare for relegation guys cz that's what's coming for Utd if they gna stick with Amorim
Lupbiopst
0
Keep playing rubbish guys
nebiknptuz
0
it's only him who plays on his right position, other players plays on wrong positions. how can you not blame Amorim for this?
ducaeiluyz
1
Yes whole of united players are playing shit soccer but getting fat salary I don't know if they feel shame when they collect salary
Colito
0
jedbdeoruy
1
4,4,2 or 4,3,3
Ludaemnsz
0
De Ligt u has all reason to say so because of ur own personal interests for the coach to always favour u . AMORIM should be SACK with immediate effect, his 343 style of play can not match with the premier League football and he said he will never change his style of play. so sack him immediately and bring in CRYSTAL PALACE COACH OLIVER GLASNER best replacement for AMORIM
vehbeilsuz
1
than who chose those players??? manager
darrenham
3
Play casmerio as the center back will solve all the issues... He is a good passer of ball and is excellent reader of the game.. He will lead the team from the back line... Bruno is a good player not a great captain.... Casmerio will be a better choice for captain.
Bokcelmopt
1
KajumbaPrim
0
The coach is to blame he was given tools to use and get results but he has failed he is a bad worker man
yekablmotz
0
ok fans complain about the system as player tell us the reason y u don't deliver Cox for us we think it's,
Tobbclnpry
4
why players that are so highly paid can't play?
yudikmors
0
You are too slow ....and can't read the game......you as centerback must be good in dual ... ..last man in defense..the most important player on the field...but you not up to it ....talk less ...work hard on your physical and speed to be a better player .
yudikmors
0
if you think the players are at fault....than you are not up to playing in EPL .....not good for the club
Bobdimouy
0
This will safe
[image]
Why nt his one is better
Bobdimouy
0
I wrote to FIFA to amend the rules for United only to allow them to have one additional player ( 12 players) in order the save Amorim's job.
Kkkkkkkkk not serious at all
Bobdimouy
0
Simple LineUp eish ths Coach full of stupite formation & tactics nver in in epl, change formation frst
Bobdimouy
1
So Why why why, Amorin is straggling with this Formation???(
Weoabclmsy
1
The players in MU are good players, some international players. Play the system which is easy and comfortable to stomach. Play fast direct attacking football.
jayaeortz
1
I wrote to FIFA to amend the rules for United only to allow them to have one additional player ( 12 players) in order the save Amorim's job.
Fooacdoru
1
People don't see it but Bruno Fernandes is the problem for united. He doesn't have the IQ of a midfielder. He can't control the tempo of the game.
lomdikoru
0
He is not good as he thinks
lomdikoru
1
Stop make Bruno taking penalty
nauikmosy
0
de_ligt is also poor of defend,
True. Just look at his positioning and passing that will lead to goal. Bayern & juventus were fast to found out. 😂
Caeikmoruy
0
Amorim tactical pattern has failed Man United & he stubbornly refused to deviate from his unsuccessful tactical pattern. I think he should be sacked & to be replaced by Jorgen Ex Liverpool manager Or Zinedine
Suwabmostu
0
This will safe
loceimnptz
0
De Ligt, not even the Pope will he happy Amorin said the Pope can't even dare tell him to change his tactics. That was insulting enough for the pontiff. He'll keep losing until he's thrown overboard. Silly mam.
wazacdios
3
I have never seen a coach with only one system of playing...
Tonybiz
5
Until that stubborn coach changes his formation and move Bruno front in the middle with Casemiro/Ugarte as deep DM and Maino box2box Midfielder. This players will be playing sh**t Change to a better formation that suits the players you have at the moment. Then until you get the better players for your personal system.
Suedkmstyz
0
you are all trash
Johannes7
3
if we try this formation we will win any team
Labadkotyz
1
what we need now just sack amorim