'Absolutely Crazy': Shearer Condemns Amorim’s Stubborn Tactics as Carrick Sparks Man United Revival
Alan Shearer has launched a fierce critique of former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, claiming the Portuguese manager’s unwillingness to change doomed his tenure at Old Trafford. The ex-Newcastle striker says United’s rapid resurgence under interim boss Michael Carrick exposes the mistakes of the previous regime.
Manchester United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick prompts Alan Shearer to accuse ex-boss Ruben Amorim of arrogance and tactical inflexibility.
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Carrick has enjoyed a dream beginning since replacing Amorim on January 5, guiding United to consecutive wins over Manchester City and Arsenal within just eight days. For Shearer, those victories underline how damaging Amorim’s tactical rigidity proved during his 14-month spell.
Appearing on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer wondered how Amorim could watch these performances without questioning his own decisions. He was especially critical of the coach’s loyalty to a single system despite repeated setbacks.
“What must he be thinking watching those games?” Shearer said. “It’s unbelievable not to even try something different. That attitude of ‘my way or the highway’ is pure arrogance.”
Throughout his time in charge, Amorim stuck firmly to a 3-4-2-1 formation. The structure often left United unbalanced and short of attacking spark, with supporters growing increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction.
Carrick immediately reverted to a 4-2-3-1 setup, a change that brought instant rewards. A comfortable victory over City at home was followed by a thrilling comeback win at Arsenal, results that transformed belief inside the dressing room.
Shearer argued that Amorim’s downfall stemmed from his refusal to accept reality. In the former England captain’s view, elite managers must adapt when plans fail — something the Portuguese coach never managed.
“To not even consider that it wasn’t working… he backed one idea completely and when it collapsed, that was the end,” Shearer explained.
Amorim’s final statistics painted a bleak picture: 24 victories, 18 draws and 21 defeats from 63 games. Despite mounting pressure, he continued to resist switching to a four-man defence, creating a strained atmosphere around the club.
The swift improvement under Carrick suggests the squad either struggled with the demands of the back three or simply benefited from returning to a more familiar system.
Still, Shearer warned against rushing into a permanent appointment. While praising Carrick’s early impact, he stressed that two matches provide only a limited sample.
“He’s made an incredible start,” Shearer said, “but let’s judge properly in a couple of months.”
For United’s board, the immediate bounce offers reassurance that change was necessary. Yet as the club plans for the future, Amorim’s inflexible reign stands as a reminder of the importance of tactical adaptability at the highest level.
