“That’s the same big question now with Amorim” - Jaap Stam explains Manchester United’s poor form and names one Red Devils recent transfer blunder

Manchester United legend Jaap Stam has explained the reason behind the Red Devils' poor form, while naming their worst transfer decision of the summer window. Old Trafford has had little reason for good to cheer this season, as they currently sit in 13th on the Premier League table.

After enduring four losses in their first nine league games this season, former manager Erik ten Hag was sacked by the club. Ruud van Nistelrooy took over as interim boss before Ruben Amorim began his spell as head coach.

The Portuguese coach has not had an easy task so far. Despite changing their formation and style of play, Manchester United are yet to break out of their mid-table slump, with two wins and three losses under Amorim in the league. In all competitions, the new boss has led the Red Devils to just four wins in nine games.

Explaining the reason for the poor run of form, Jaap Stam said to SportLens (via GOAL):

“We could see what Erik ten Hag was trying to do at Manchester United and how he wanted to play, from his time at Ajax, but the players struggled. That is down to both the manager but also the players and whether they can execute the game plan that they are taught when it comes to matches."

“That’s the same big question now with Amorim as it was with Ten Hag, can the players adapt and dominate games in his three-at-the-back system. At the moment it's still not very dominant in how they play within the new system despite there being a few wins which was similar for Ten Hag during his start at the club," he added.

Jaap Stam also revealed that selling Scott McTominay to Napoli was not a smart decision from Manchester United. He continued:

"He scored goals and had a big impact and those are the players you don’t want to lose as a football club...He has been a very important player for Napoli and his confidence is growing because he is starting most games and overall I think selling him was a bad call at United.

“Sometimes you have to make tough decisions as a club and I understand that, but I wouldn’t have been keen to sell McTominay.”

Scott McTominay has scored three goals and provided two assists in 14 Serie A games for Napoli, helping them sit in second place on the league table.

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Jaap Stam explains what Manchester United's players need to do in Ruben Amorim's system

While speaking about the current situation at Manchester United, Jaap Stam revealed what is expected from the players in Ruben Amorim's system.

He raised concerns that the club might need to sign players who suit the Portuguese manager's style of play. Stam told SportLens (via GOAL):

“You need defenders who can play in big spaces, especially when the wing-backs are high up the pitch and two midfielders who can be good in possession but also have the legs to get up and down the pitch.

“The forwards need to be able to make runs in behind but also drop into deep positions, that’s why the manager is testing everyone and seeing if they can perform to his standards. We’ve seen some players struggle with the intensity of the Premier League.”

Manchester United enjoyed a 2-1 win over local rivals Manchester City, but followed this up with a 3-4 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup. Back to the Premier League last weekend (December 22), they endured a 0-3 loss to Bournemouth.

Next, they face Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux on Boxing Day.