Softfootball understands that Rúben Amorim has pushed back strongly against the idea that Manchester United need to rip up their defence, even after conceding four goals in a wild 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, when asked if January signings were needed to sort out the mess at the back, the United coach didn’t hesitate.
He said:
Rúben Amorim, when asked if Man United need to overhaul their defence, No, I think we have talent in the back. We just need to be better as a team at defending.
It’s a confident stance, maybe even a stubborn one, considering the numbers don’t look great. United have kept just one clean sheet in 16 Premier League games this season.
Manchester United’s draw with Bournemouth means they have now scored four Premier League goals in back-to-back matches, following their 4–1 win over Wolves. Their total league goals now stand at 30, second only to Manchester City, though conceding 26 goals highlights a clear issue at the back.
Amorim admitted as much, stating the team is lacking quality when they defend their goal, but he also made it clear progress is being made elsewhere. Summer signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško have lifted the attack, no doubt about that.
Against Bournemouth, United created chance after chance and even led the game three times. But each lead slipped away, usually from small lapses, a lost runner, or a second too late.
According to Amorim, those moments hurt more than any missing defender. It’s about focus, discipline, and protecting the box better.
Tactically, Amorim wasn’t rigid either. During the match, he moved away from his usual 3-4-3, switching to a back four in parts, especially after halftime.
For Amorim, the message is clear enough. The players are there. The quality too. Now it’s about getting the basics right every single week, not just when things feel comfortable.
