Paul Scholes took a dig at Ruben Amorim's tactics after Harry Maguire inspired Manchester United to a last-gasp FA Cup win over Leicester City.
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United were unimpressive in the first halfSecond half resurgence bailed them outScholes criticised Amorim's choices on social mediaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
United produced a lacklustre first-half display, failing to register a single shot on target before heading into the break a goal down. Leicester took advantage of the home side’s sluggishness, breaking the deadlock through Bobby De Cordova-Reid. A notable inclusion in United’s starting lineup was Patrick Dorgu, the club’s £29 million signing from Lecce. However, Amorim made the unexpected decision to deploy the 20-year-old wing-back on the right flank, despite the fact that he had primarily played on the left during his time in Serie A.
AdvertisementAFPWHAT SCHOLES SAID
Scholes voiced his disapproval of Amorim’s tactical setup, taking to Instagram to post: “Inverted wing-backs… you saw it at OT first.” His remarks hinted at scepticism over the new manager’s approach, particularly in positioning Dorgu in an unfamiliar role on his debut.
@paulscholesaaa InstagramHOW DID AMORIM RESPOND?
Following the match, Amorim defended his decision to deploy Dorgu on the right, despite the youngster being withdrawn at halftime. The United boss insisted that the Danish defender had previously played in that position for Lecce, and highlighted his versatility as a key asset.
"He played a lot of times in Lecce on the right. That is one of the characteristics that we pay attention to a lot, to have a player like him," Amorim said.
"He was a little bit anxious in the first touch with the ball. It’s a different league for him, a different speed of the game, but he did well. He has space, he has strength, and he’s going to improve a lot. And we, as a team, we need to play better to help these new guys to perform at the right level. But the position, and you can see in Wyscout that he’s played in both sides."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
United’s fortunes changed in the second half following the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho, who added much-needed energy and creativity. Shortly after, Joshua Zirkzee found the back of the net from close range, levelling the score and shifting the momentum in favour of the home side.
Despite Leicester’s resilience, United snatched victory in stoppage time, as Maguire rose highest to head home the winner. The dramatic goal ensured United’s progression to the FA Cup fifth round, though replays suggested the goal would have been disallowed had VAR been in use, with Maguire appearing to be in an offside position when the ball was played into the box.