Ruben Amorim Explains Why He Substituted Mason Mount Against

Bornheimer – Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, addressed Mason Mount’s condition following their 1-0 win over Newcastle in the Premier League 2025/2026. The match took place at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, Saturday (27/12/2025), where Patrick Dorgu scored a stunning volley in the 24th minute, securing the victory for the Red Devils.

This win helped Manchester United maintain their position in the top half of the Premier League standings, keeping them in fifth place with 29 points.

Amorim Explains Mount’s Early Substitution

Mount played a key role in the first half but was substituted at halftime. Amorim explained that the substitution was necessary to protect the team’s fitness. With several players dealing with injuries and fatigue, the manager did not want to risk further problems by keeping Mount on the pitch.

“Mason felt something during the break,” Amorim said in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. “He wanted to keep playing, but we couldn’t afford to risk losing another player if he wasn’t 100% ready. Jack [Fletcher] came on and did very well.”

Jack Fletcher Steps In After Mount’s Substitution

Young player Jack Fletcher replaced Mount in the second half. Fletcher performed well, helping the team maintain the lead and secure the victory. Amorim praised his performance, noting that the substitution was a tactical decision based on the team’s needs.

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“Jack was fresher and played a key role in the second half,” Amorim added. “He helped us control the game, which is exactly what we needed.”

Managing a Depleted Squad: Amorim’s Tactical Choices

The victory came amid a challenging period for Manchester United, as key players were unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. Casemiro returned from suspension, but Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo remained sidelined. Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt were also out, while Noussair Mazraoui, Amad, and Bryan Mbeumo were with their national teams for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Amorim explained that his decisions were based on the players’ physical condition and the team’s tactical requirements.

“It wasn’t about the number of games ahead,” Amorim said. “This match was the most important. I couldn’t risk taking Matheus Cunha off because he was our only option for bringing us some relief. I played him in the number 10 position.”

Tactical Adjustments Based on Player Freshness

Amorim also considered freshness when making decisions. He noted that Manu was in better condition than Casemiro, which allowed him to make a tactical adjustment, especially when Newcastle applied pressure during set pieces.

“We took risks, but we had to,” Amorim explained. “Their movements during corners were challenging, and I felt that Manu, being fresher, would handle the situation better.”

Conclusion: Effective Tactics Amid Squad Limitations

Ruben Amorim’s tactical decisions played a significant role in Manchester United’s victory. His substitution of Mount and the use of fresh players like Jack Fletcher helped the team manage a difficult match. Despite the squad’s limitations, the manager’s strategies ensured that Manchester United remained competitive at the top of the Premier League standings.