Manchester United flipped the script unexpectedly at Goodison Park as predictions of a drubbing loss were spoiled by a second-half comeback.
It is a sign of the state of affairs at Man Utd that Everton’s first-half lead didn’t come as a surprise to anyone as they were outfought, outmuscled, and made schoolboy errors.
Ruben Amorim had a brutal verdict on the performance but this draw vs Everton, especially the manner of it, can do something for their confidence.
However, an atrocious first half had people out with their pitchforks, with BBC reporter Simon Stone particularly tweeting something that doesn’t befit a reporter of his stature.
BBC reporter mocks Ruben Amorim
February was expected to be a good month for United because they had free midweeks, giving Ruben Amorim what he wanted the most.
That something being time at the training ground with the team, with the Man Utd manager repeatedly stressing he needs time to impart his philosophy.
Those plans were laid to rest as soon as an injury crisis struck hard before the Spurs game, getting his first-choice midfield wiped out and his attacking talisman Amad getting a season-ending injury.
However, those mitigating factors were clearly not enough for Simon Stone, a regular presence in Amorims’ press conferences for BBC.
When United were struggling in the first half, Stone wrote, “Am glad Ruben Amorim has finally had a chance to work with his players in a couple of free midweeks. Imagine how bad it would be otherwise.”
The post, clearly dripping with sarcasm, should ensure he has a tricky time facing Amorim in the next press conference if United’s media team follows him.
Man Utd fans go off on Ruben Amorim being mocked
The journalists in the press conferences have long been deemed as one of the main contributors to the needless circus that surrounds Man Utd.
However, a reporter from BBC is probably one of the last people one expects to post something like this which reads like a troll account from a rival fan more than a sensible analysis of the team they’re covering.
The irony was not lost on the fans, who pointed out that Stone is one of the lucky few who has a direct line to the manager but always goes for the senseless line of questioning.
“What’s the solution then Simon? Maybe ask him relevant questions instead of asking how Rashford is every single press conference,” wrote one fan.
“Why don’t you say that to his face?” said another, as a third wrote, “So much for impartial journalism.”.
“Im glad four first-teamers weren’t injured this week,” wrote another, returning Stone’s sarcasm with some of their own as a fifth said, “The one player he has signed actually looks really good,” referring to Patrick Dorgu.
“Threadbare squad. Several players missing through injury and most of the guys on the pitch are rookies. Tasteless. Expected more from you,” said one as another summed up the fan sentiment to the tweet with two words – “Terrible tweet.”
Perhaps Stone will take the challenge and try and say it to Amorim’s face next time.
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