• Manchester United were without a number of first-team regulars on Sunday
  • They fell to a 1-0 defeat by Tottenham thanks to a James Maddison first half goal
  • LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Will Liverpool recover from Everton blow in season-defining week? 

By DOMINIC HOGAN

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville branded Ruben Amorim’s tactics against Tottenham ‘absolute madness’ and ‘embarrassing’.

United were beaten by Tottenham 1-0 on Sunday after James Maddison struck the only goal of the game in the 13th minute, punishing a goalkeeping error from Andre Onana. 

The visitors pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but were unable to find the breakthrough, leaving Ange Postecoglou and Co to pick up a vital three points. 

United traveled to north London on the back of a week that had seen a number of first-team stars fall afoul of injury. 

As such, Ruben Amorim was forced to shuffle his pack, with Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen and Manuel Ugarte all out, meaning a return for Casemiro was required, with Bruno Fernandes dropping deeper to partner him. 

As such former right back Neville was quick to criticise his old side’s tactics on co-commentary duties, in particular with regard to the makeshift midfield pairing.  

Gary Neville has slammed Ruben Amorim’s tactics in Manchester United’s recent defeat

United were beaten by Spurs with Bruno Fernandes (right) dropping into a deeper position

United were beaten by Spurs with Bruno Fernandes (right) dropping into a deeper position

The loss leaves Ruben Amorim's side down in 15th position in the table with 12 defeats this term

The loss leaves Ruben Amorim’s side down in 15th position in the table with 12 defeats this term

‘The distance between the two centre midfielders for United is all wrong,’ Neville said.

‘Look where (Bruno) Fernandes is, look where Casemiro is. It breaks all rules of football. It’s absolute madness. The structure of the team is awful. The two in midfield are split. 

‘You wouldn’t see this in Under 9s football. Look at the space in midfield. Shocking.’

The defeat left United in 15th place in the Premier League, with Amorim’s trying start to life at Old Trafford continuing. 

With his side set for a period without his preferred midfield partnership, things seem to be heading from bad to worse. 

With Fernandes dropping deeper, Joshua Zirkzee was required to start in behind the striker, and put in a much improved performance.  

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Gary Neville SLAMS ’embarrassing’ Man United tactics in Tottenham loss as club legend claims Ruben Amorim’s midfield ‘breaks all rules of football’

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