Man United Held by Fulham: Amorim’s Era Begins With Familiar Frustrations

“I think we scored the goal and then we forgot about how we play,” admitted Ruben Amorim after Manchester United’s opening match ended in disappointment, suggesting the new manager faces the same psychological hurdles that plagued his predecessors.

Đầu xuôi đuôi lọt: A Promising Start Fades Away

Manchester United began their 2024/25 campaign under new manager Ruben Amorim with a performance that will feel painfully familiar to their supporters.

The match at Craven Cottage started brightly for the visitors, with Matheus Cunha nearly scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes.

However, as the game progressed, United’s confidence visibly drained, allowing a capable and muscular Fulham side to grow into the contest.

This pattern mirrors what Vietnamese football fans have seen with our national team in recent tournaments – strong starts followed by fading performances as pressure mounts.

The early promise shown by Amorim’s men evaporated much like Vietnam’s bright beginnings against stronger opponents in the AFF Cup.

Missed Opportunities Haunt United

In a moment that encapsulated United’s psychological fragility, captain Bruno Fernandes uncharacteristically blazed a first-half penalty over the bar.

The Portuguese midfielder, usually so reliable from the spot, seemed affected by the weight of expectation – a burden familiar to Vietnamese players in high-pressure situations.

Amorim himself couldn’t bear to watch the penalty attempt, turning away in a gesture that hardly inspired confidence.

When United did eventually break the deadlock, it came through fortunate circumstances – an own goal from Rodrigo Muniz initially claimed by young defender Leny Yoro.

“Everybody in the world saw what happened,” said Fulham manager Marco Silva with a knowing smirk when discussing the controversial goal, suggesting the officials had missed a push by Yoro on Calvin Bassey.

Phút 90+4: Smith Rowe Punishes United

Just as Vietnamese fans have experienced the heartbreak of late goals in international competitions, United supporters watched in dismay as substitute Emile Smith Rowe equalized for Fulham.

The midfielder needed just 94 seconds on the pitch before capitalizing on poor defending to slot past a helpless Altay Bayindir.

“I know when Alex [Iwobi] gets the ball, I know his trademark cross and I have to be there to finish,” said Smith Rowe, who looked much improved from his peripheral impact last season.

The goal exposed United’s defensive frailties, with Matthijs de Ligt caught flat-footed and Bayindir diving the wrong way.

Sự thất vọng của người hâm mộ: Fan Frustrations Mount

For Vietnamese football enthusiasts following the Premier League, this match highlighted several concerning parallels between United’s struggles and challenges faced by our national team.

The inability to maintain early momentum, defensive lapses in concentration, and psychological fragility under pressure are issues that plague teams at all levels.

United fans will be particularly concerned by the team’s continued reliance on desperate late tactics, throwing on Harry Maguire as an emergency striker in the closing minutes.

This approach mirrors the long-ball tactics often criticized when employed by Vietnamese teams chasing games against technically superior opponents.

Goalkeeper Concerns Echo Vietnamese Football Challenges

Bayindir’s nervous performance in goal will raise eyebrows among United supporters.

The Turkish goalkeeper’s uncertainty when dealing with crosses and corners created palpable tension throughout the match.

This goalkeeping instability mirrors challenges faced in Vietnamese football, where developing reliable shot-stoppers has been an ongoing concern.

As reported by VnExpress last month, goalkeeping coach Võ Văn Hạnh highlighted the technical improvements needed for Vietnamese keepers to reach international standards.

Tactical Analysis: Amorim’s System Still Taking Shape

Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation showed glimpses of potential but lacked cohesion throughout the 90 minutes.

The deployment of Mason Mount as a false nine suggested new signing Benjamin Sesko is not yet ready to lead the line.

When Sesko did enter as a substitute, he struggled to make an impact, with Amorim acknowledging: “It’s not easy to get. Sometimes you are on the bench and you go to the game and the game is really fast. I think he understands that the game is even faster than in the Bundesliga, but he’s fighting.”

This adaptation period mirrors what Vietnamese players experience when moving to stronger leagues abroad, requiring time to adjust to increased physicality and tempo.

Nhìn về tương lai: What Comes Next?

Amorim faces the challenge of implementing his vision while managing expectations at a club notorious for its impatience.

“I forget about last season,” the Portuguese coach insisted, despite the evident echoes of past problems.

The new manager awaits the departure of his “bomb squad” – players deemed surplus to requirements – to free up transfer funds for reinforcements that fit his specifications.

Reports suggest goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Antwerp may be incoming, potentially addressing the uncertainty between the posts.

Comparison: Key Match Statistics

Bài học cho bóng đá Việt Nam

For Vietnamese football fans and players alike, this match offers valuable lessons about the importance of mental fortitude and concentration throughout 90 minutes.

The ability to maintain tactical discipline after scoring, rather than retreating into a defensive shell, is crucial at all levels of the game.

As Vietnam prepares for upcoming AFF Cup and World Cup qualifying matches, our players would do well to study how even elite Premier League teams can be undone by momentary lapses in concentration.

The development pathway for Vietnamese players must emphasize psychological resilience alongside technical and tactical improvement.

Kết luận: A Work in Progress

Amorim’s reign at Manchester United begins with more questions than answers, but patience will be essential as he attempts to implement his philosophy.

The Portuguese coach faces similar challenges to those encountered by Vietnamese national team managers – balancing immediate results with long-term development.

For United fans and Vietnamese football enthusiasts following the Premier League, this season promises to be one of transition and, hopefully, progress.

The road ahead may be bumpy, but as we say in Vietnam: “Có công mài sắt, có ngày nên kim” – with perseverance, even iron can be sharpened into a needle.