Thierry Henry sparked major controversy after the final whistle when he unleashed a fiery post-match analysis that has since gone viral across social media.
The Arsenal legend, now a respected pundit, delivered a brutal critique of Manchester United’s tactical setup, with particular criticism aimed at midfielder Manuel Ugarte and manager Rúben Amorim. His passionate remarks left no room for ambiguity — Henry was furious about what he witnessed.
“You can’t play football like that in this league!” Henry snapped on-air. “Tottenham’s intensity completely destroyed Ugarte. I said before the match that Amorim shouldn’t start him he ignored the warning, and now you’ve seen exactly why. Ugarte was a liability from start to finish.”
The Frenchman didn’t stop there. He went on to argue that this wasn’t simply an off-night for the Uruguayan midfielder, but rather part of an ongoing pattern. “It’s not the first time,” Henry insisted. “Every time the tempo rises, Ugarte gets lost.
It’s obvious from the opening minutes — he can’t handle that pace. Amorim’s decision to start him was shocking, absolutely shocking.”
Henry’s explosive comments ignited a fierce debate among fans and pundits alike. Many sided with him, claiming Amorim’s tactical decisions continue to cost United valuable points.
Others, however, argued that Henry’s criticism was overly harsh and that Ugarte deserves patience as he adapts to the Premier League’s speed and physicality.
Still, the overall sentiment was one of disappointment, especially as United’s performance unraveled in the second half.
Statistically, Ugarte endured a nightmare evening. Analysts rated him 2/10, the lowest score of any player on the pitch.
According to post-match reports, even some members of United’s backroom staff admitted privately that the midfielder “looked completely lost,” particularly during the first 45 minutes when Tottenham dominated possession and dictated the rhythm.
The reaction online was swift and merciless. Supporters flooded X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit, echoing Henry’s fury.
Hashtags like #DropUgarte and #AmorimOut began trending, as frustrated fans demanded sweeping changes in midfield.
Some even suggested that Amorim’s stubbornness in sticking with underperforming players was beginning to divide the dressing room.
Sources close to the club later revealed that tension inside the locker room was palpable after the match. Several players reportedly questioned the manager’s tactical setup and substitutions.
Henry seemed to capture that frustration perfectly, saying, “I’ve seen teams fall apart because of poor management before. This wasn’t bad luck — this was bad judgment, and it affected the whole team.”
Tottenham’s aggressive pressing style exposed every weakness in United’s midfield. Ugarte, in particular, struggled to keep up with the pace and intensity of James Maddison and Yves Bissouma, who repeatedly overran him.
Henry summed it up sharply: “He’s not built for this kind of game not yet. When the pressure rises and the speed increases, he collapses. Tonight, that cost United the match.”
The match data told the same story: Ugarte completed just 68% of his passes far below the team’s average of 82% won only 4 out of 12 duels, and made just two successful tackles all game.
Those numbers, combined with his poor positioning, made him the lowest-rated player on the pitch by a wide margin.
As the fallout continues, Amorim now faces mounting scrutiny over his midfield choices. Henry’s brutally honest words have amplified the pressure, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning whether United’s new manager is already losing control of his system.
