English media shocked by Manchester Derby: 'Even the VAR switched channels'

“People travel for this, board planes, squeeze liquids into 100-milliliter bottles, stand in line at passport control, book taxis and hotels, set their alarms for 4:30 in the morning, they look forward to this for days, but even the VAR must have switched channels midway,” The Guardian summed up the dull Manchester Derby, which ended in a goalless 0-0 draw.

The much-anticipated clash between Manchester United and Manchester City promised intensity, drama, and perhaps a defining moment in the ongoing battle for supremacy in English football. Instead, it delivered a drab and uninspiring spectacle that left fans and pundits questioning the direction of both clubs, especially Manchester United.

For United, the draw felt like another missed opportunity. Despite having a slight advantage in creating chances, their efforts in front of goal were once again underwhelming. The English newspaper noted that United didn’t play particularly badly, “considering the quality of their players.” The criticism continued: “Because those players remain poor. They created more, took more shots, wanted it more. Rúben Amorim brought on Mason Mount for Manuel Ugarte to open up the game, not to close it down. This didn’t look like a team that’s four points behind Brentford.”

The problem, as highlighted by many observers, goes beyond individual performances. There is a growing sense that Manchester United’s issues are deeply rooted in structural failings that cannot be fixed by mere tactical adjustments or temporary improvements. According to The Guardian, Amorim doesn’t just need new players; the club itself requires a fundamental shift. One where commercial interests are no longer prioritized over entertaining their own supporters, who once again made their dissatisfaction clear on Sunday with banners demanding the Glazer family’s departure.

The disconnect between the club’s decision-makers and its passionate fanbase has been evident for years. Critics argue that Manchester United has become more focused on maintaining its global brand and commercial partnerships than on building a competitive team capable of challenging for major titles. This disconnect is now more visible than ever, as supporters grow increasingly frustrated with the lack of clear progress.

Rúben Amorim, who took over with the ambition of restoring Manchester United’s status as a Premier League powerhouse, continues to insist that things will look “very different next season at United.” The Portuguese coach has been vocal about his plans to strengthen the squad during the upcoming transfer window, identifying several key areas that need urgent attention. “The squad needs to be rebuilt. Not just strengthened, but rebuilt,” Amorim stated recently. “It’s a long-term process, but we will get there.”

However, the BBC highlighted a major concern: “United’s transfer policy will have to be much better this summer than their performances on the pitch this season.” Over the past few years, Manchester United’s transfer strategy has been widely criticized for being inconsistent, reactionary, and overly focused on marquee signings rather than building a cohesive and balanced squad.

The frustrations are mounting among the United faithful, who have grown tired of lackluster performances and questionable decisions both on and off the field. As the derby ended in a dull 0-0 draw, the gap between Manchester United and the Premier League’s elite feels wider than ever.

According to the broadcaster, practically every line of the team needs reinforcements. Analyst Gary Neville, a former United captain and now a prominent pundit, did not hold back in his assessment on Sky Sports. Neville stated bluntly that United needs at least “five new players.” And that’s just the beginning. “The three players up front aren’t good enough, and neither are the wingbacks. They need to give him five players who are good enough to play the system he wants.”

Neville’s comments echo a sentiment that has been growing among fans and analysts alike. The current squad lacks the quality, consistency, and tactical awareness required to compete at the highest level. Amorim’s preferred playing style, which emphasizes pressing, possession, and fluid attacking movements, is being undermined by a lack of personnel capable of executing his vision effectively.

Van Gaal
Amorim is currently forced to make too many concessions to his playing style. “I understand why he reverted to a low block; we’ve seen that with José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Erik ten Hag as well. Since Sir Alex Ferguson, only Louis van Gaal has managed to dominate matches with possession, and that’s a real problem. The attackers aren’t good enough, and they will have to make smart signings.”

Van Gaal’s tenure at United remains a point of reference for many analysts when discussing the club’s inability to maintain control of matches. Despite his often-criticized conservative approach, Van Gaal was able to implement a system that, at its best, allowed United to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of games. Since his departure, the club has struggled to establish a coherent identity on the pitch, often relying on moments of individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play.

Neville also pointed out that United’s transfer policy has been far from successful in recent years. “United has let players go who would be performing better than the current forwards. I can name four right off the top of my head: Anthony Elanga, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck, and Scott McTominay. I’m not saying they are the solution, but their replacements haven’t reached the required level either.”

The criticism of United’s transfer dealings is not new. The club’s recruitment strategy has been repeatedly called into question, with many of their recent signings failing to live up to expectations. Overpriced acquisitions, poorly scouted talents, and signings made for commercial appeal rather than tactical necessity have all contributed to the current malaise.

As the dust settles on yet another disappointing Manchester Derby, the calls for change at Old Trafford are growing louder. Amorim’s insistence that improvements will be made in the summer is a familiar refrain, but supporters are demanding concrete results rather than vague promises.

The upcoming transfer window will be a crucial test for Amorim and the club’s hierarchy. With Gary Neville’s assertion that at least five new players are needed, the pressure is on to deliver signings that can genuinely transform the team. For Manchester United, the time for excuses is over.

As the club attempts to regain its former glory, the question remains: Will Rúben Amorim be given the tools he needs to succeed, or will Manchester United continue to be defined by underachievement and unfulfilled potential?