'It really is baffling' - Man United insider blasts Amorim after what he did to player vs Chelsea
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
(Credit: Imago, Harry Maguire on Instagram)
Callum O'Connell
Mon 22 September 2025 17:24, UK
Ruben Amorim has been slammed for his treatment of Harry Maguire after what he did during Man United’s win v Chelsea, their former chief scout explained.
Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that Amorim‘s decision almost threw away all three points for United.
During Man United’s 2-1 win against Chelsea, the boss opted to substitute Maguire for Leny Yoro, and Trevoh Chalobah‘s headed goal came just 10 minutes later.
The decision to withdraw the England defender has been labelled “bizarre”, with Chelsea’s main threat late in the game coming from Reece James‘ crosses.
Enzo Maresca‘s side were chasing the game and looked dangerous late on, with the blame placed firmly on Amorim despite eventually surviving the late pressure.
Credit: Imago
Brown told Football Insider Amorim is pushing Maguire out of Man United as a result of his recent treatment of the centre-back.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience working closely alongside elite-level managers including Sir Alex Ferguson and Ron Atkinson at Old Trafford, labelled the manager’s decisions “baffling” as they continue to cause confusion.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
“There’s one major thing I do not understand about Amorim,” he told Football Insider.
“Every time Maguire is on the pitch, he looks solid, brings stability, and he can do things that win and lose you games of football like heading the ball away.
“So you’ve got James, who is as good a crosser of the ball as anybody, flying up the right-hand side and putting crosses into the box, how do you deal with that?
“Well, he takes off the best header of the ball in Maguire, and of course then Chalobah goes and scores from a cross because you’ve taken off your best option to defend against that.
“It really is baffling, it’s like his substitutes are pre-meditated, he knows he’s taking Maguire off after 70 minutes regardless of what’s actually happening on the pitch.
“That decision almost cost United the game, because Chelsea’s biggest threat was from crosses.
“I find it so frustrating that even after a really big win for United, there’s such a clear issue which is entirely the fault of the manager, he can’t blame anybody else.”
Even after a big win for United, with hope now growing that they can kick on, the manager’s decisions are questioned as they yet again put the result at risk.
Maguire’s playing time so far this season has been subject to scrutiny, with the defender having started just one of his four Premier League appearances.
As a result, Brown told Football Insider on 9 September that Maguire could be tempted to leave Man United with Saudi Pro League clubs keeping tabs on his situation.
Harry Maguire’s Man United future is up in the air.
(Credit Imago)
Man United dismissed enquiries about Maguire during the summer transfer window as he remained a key part of the manager’s plans for the season.
However, with just one year remaining on his current deal at Old Trafford, there has been growing uncertainty about his long-term future at the club.
For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.