Ruben Amorim’s Tactical Revolution at Manchester United
In light of Ruben Amorim’s imminent appointment as Manchester United’s head coach, fans find themselves oscillating between excitement and trepidation. Given the club’s recent managerial turbulence, there are questions about how Amorim’s tactical philosophy will harmonize with the existing squad, particularly as it represents a significant shift from Erik ten Hag’s approach. Here, we explore the key dynamics of this transition and what it could mean for the team’s performance.
Understanding Amorim’s Tactical Philosophy
Ruben Amorim is renowned for his flexible yet structured tactical approach. His hallmark, the 3-4-3 formation, offers a blend of offensive dynamism and defensive solidity. This system has been pivotal for Sporting Lisbon, where Amorim emphasized a high press coupled with proactive possession football. The tactical versatility he brings — alternating between sitting deep and pushing high — creates opportunities to adapt to various match situations.
For Manchester United, this transition represents a stark departure from the formless play that characterized Ten Hag’s tenure. While Ten Hag’s strategies often lacked clarity, Amorim’s detailed training sessions and defined tactical roles promise a more coherent vision. However, the pressing question remains: how will the current squad adapt to this new style, particularly given the financial constraints United faces?
Navigating the Shift to a Back Three
The most immediate tactical change under Amorim will be the shift to a back three, a system not employed at United since Louis van Gaal’s era. This adjustment raises concerns about player suitability, particularly for Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, who may struggle in this formation. De Ligt’s previous experiences with a back three have not been encouraging, and Maguire’s inexperience in such setups could expose vulnerabilities, especially against the fast transitions characteristic of Premier League play.
Statistically, last season, United conceded the second-most shots in Europe’s top leagues, while Sporting, in contrast, boasted the fewest. This defensive solidity, achieved through a compact formation, could mitigate some risks associated with a transition phase. However, it will require significant adjustments from players accustomed to a different tactical framework.
Maximizing Player Potential: The Role of Wing-Backs
Amorim’s tactical system heavily relies on the contribution of wing-backs, who play a pivotal role in both attack and defense. This presents a challenge for United, as the current squad lacks natural wing-backs. Diogo Dalot, who has shown promise in an attacking capacity, may be a candidate for this role, although his defensive shortcomings have been highlighted in recent games.
Alternatively, Amorim could tap into United’s youth setup, as he did at Sporting with Geovany Quenda. Players like Amad Diallo might find themselves being reconfigured into wing-back roles, adding depth and dynamism to the flanks.
Filling the Midfield Gap: Ugarte’s Role
One of the pressing concerns during Ten Hag’s tenure was the so-called ‘donut’ in United’s midfield — a space that became vulnerable during transitions as forwards pressed and defenders retreated. The signing of Manuel Ugarte, who thrived under Amorim, is designed to address this issue directly. Ugarte’s ability to disrupt opposition play, coupled with his leadership qualities, can help United regain control in midfield.
His track record at Sporting, where he excelled in tackles and interceptions, suggests he will be vital in stabilizing the midfield and providing a robust shield for the back three. This is a crucial area of focus, especially considering United’s struggles with coordinated pressing and transition defense.
Integrating Key Players: Fernandes and Rashford
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are two key figures whose roles may evolve significantly under Amorim’s system. Fernandes, traditionally a free-roaming playmaker, may find his influence curtailed in Amorim’s more structured approach, which favors direct, pacey wingers. In contrast, Alejandro Garnacho’s dribbling ability and Rashford’s propensity to cut in from the left could be assets that flourish in this new setup.
Rashford, in particular, has shown glimpses of his past form but will need to recapture the intensity and effectiveness he displayed in the 2022-23 season to thrive in Amorim’s tactical framework.
Hojlund: The Next Target Man?
Rasmus Hojlund’s role in Amorim’s system could bear resemblance to that of Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting, who thrived under Amorim’s tactical guidance. Hojlund’s attributes — directness, pressing ability, and physical presence — align well with the demands of a striker in a 3-4-3 setup. Amorim’s willingness to adapt his tactics to suit player strengths suggests that Hojlund could become a focal point in United’s attacking strategy, reinforcing the team’s overall dynamism.
Conclusion: A New Era Beckons
Ruben Amorim’s appointment heralds a new chapter for Manchester United, one filled with promise and challenges. His tactical acumen and clarity of vision stand in stark contrast to the confusion that marked the previous regime. While the transition to a back three presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for players to grow and thrive in a more structured environment. As United fans await the dawn of this new era, the hope is that Amorim can harness the squad’s potential and lead the club back to its former glory.