In this match, Man Utd started with a three-defender formation but showed a positive display. In the first 45 minutes, "the Red Devils" had 17 shots – a feat no other team had achieved in the first half of any game this season – and led 2-1 with goals from Amad Diallo and Casemiro.

In the second half, after Bournemouth took a 3-2 lead, Amorim fully transitioned to a four-player defense, deploying Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot as full-backs, while the attack featured Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and substitute forward Benjamin Sesko.

Coach Ruben Amorim shows regret after Man Utd's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth in the 16th round of the Premier League at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 15/12. Photo: Reuters

Speaking on his personal podcast, Neville assessed Man Utd's performance as a complete contrast to the lifeless play seen in their 0-1 loss to Everton or 1-1 draw with West Ham. "Against Everton, they kept three center-backs even when the opponent was down to 10 men; there was no urgency, no pressing. It was the same against West Ham, the game just drifted soullessly," he said. "But today, Man Utd played with clear intent, moving the ball forward quickly, playing at high intensity and with determination."

Neville was particularly impressed with Amorim abandoning his preferred three-defender system when goals were needed. "Forget the system; Amorim did the right thing. He brought on the right players, and Man Utd became a real threat," the former England defender commented.

Despite leading three times, Man Utd allowed visitors Bournemouth to hold them to a 4-4 draw, missing the chance to climb to fifth place. Man Utd is the first team to lead three times in a Premier League match without winning, since Man City's 4-4 draw against Chelsea in November 2023.

Neville suggested that Man Utd's loose defense was predictable, with Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire absent, and Lisandro Martinez only recovering from injury and coming on in the second half. In this match, Amorim used a three-defender lineup of Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and Luke Shaw. "That's not a defense that feels like it will keep a clean sheet. Before the game, I thought Man Utd would have to score four goals to win, and in reality, four goals were not enough; they needed five," Neville stated.

Bruno Fernandes celebrates Man Utd's equalizing goal, making it 3-3. Photo: AP

Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher rated the first half against Bournemouth as Man Utd's best performance under Amorim, while also pointing out weaknesses in the defense. "They played fast, energetic attacking football, reminiscent of Man Utd under Alex Ferguson," the former Liverpool center-back commented. "They clearly improved in attack, but defense remains a big problem. With many young players in the backline, mistakes almost always come at a cost."

Amorim, however, emphasized that the issue was not with a three, four, or five-defender formation, but rather with details and the ability to read game situations. "Today's performance was completely different from the previous two home games, but the result was the same. We lost focus and paid the price. The team needs to be calmer to finish games," he said. "We created many chances against a strong opponent, but we need to be sharper and more focused."

Man Utd currently sits sixth in the Premier League with 26 points, level with Crystal Palace, reigning champions Liverpool, and newcomers Sunderland. On 21/12, they will visit Aston Villa – a team in excellent form, having won 10 of their last 11 Premier League matches.

By Hong Duy (via Sky Sports)