Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim was notably frustrated with Lisandro Martinez during their Europa League match against Bodo/Glimt, according to the *Manchester Evening News*. Despite securing a narrow victory, United experienced defensive issues that allowed their opponents to score twice in quick succession, highlighting vulnerabilities in their backline.
The match began on a positive note for Manchester United, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring an early goal to give them the lead. However, defensive lapses later in the game almost derailed their efforts. Although Rasmus Højlund’s impressive brace eventually sealed the win, United’s inability to maintain a solid defensive shape during key moments of the game left Amorim visibly exasperated.
Amorim’s frustration was most evident during one of the goals United conceded, as he directed his anger towards Martinez. The manager was reportedly critical of Martinez’s positioning, which he believed exposed fellow defender Tyrell Malacia, leaving him in a difficult situation. While Martinez’s role in the defensive error drew Amorim’s ire, Matthijs de Ligt also appeared culpable, as he failed to track the decisive run of Bodo/Glimt’s Philip Zinckernagel effectively. The breakdown in defensive coordination underscored broader issues in United’s backline, which struggled to cope with the intensity of the Norwegian side’s attacks.
Observers noted that Amorim, typically composed on the sidelines, struggled to contain his emotions during this particular sequence. His frustration was apparent as he gestured and reacted to the defensive lapses, a stark reminder of the high standards he expects from his players. While his disappointment was primarily directed at Martinez, it also reflected the team’s overall defensive struggles, which nearly cost them the match.
Ultimately, Manchester United managed to secure the win, but the game exposed lingering weaknesses that Amorim will need to address if the team hopes to progress further in the competition. The defensive errors, particularly the ones involving Martinez and de Ligt, highlighted a lack of cohesion in the backline that could prove costly against stronger opponents. Amorim’s visible frustration underscores his commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring the team can maintain its composure in high-pressure situations.
