As Manchester United inches closer to appointing Ruben Amorim as their new manager, fans are left wondering what changes he might bring to the team. Currently in discussions with Sporting Lisbon coach Amorim, United sees the 39-year-old as the solution to their current slump and the key to their return to glory after firing Erik ten Hag earlier this week.
On Tuesday, Sporting Lisbon confirmed that United intends to activate his release clause. Much like his tenure at Sporting, where he led the team to two league titles, Amorim’s mission at United will be to revive a struggling team and instill a winning mentality in players who have been underperforming.
So, what can United fans expect if Amorim becomes the sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013?
Known for his commitment to a 3-4-3 formation, it seems unlikely that Amorim would deviate from this strategy upon moving to the Premier League. Traditionally, United has employed a back-four, with two holding midfielders, a No. 10 flanked by two widemen, and a No. 9 leading the attack, reports the Mirror.
However, if Amorim takes the helm, the team may need to say goodbye to their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.
This strategy calls for adaptable centre-backs and full-backs who can advance and function as wing-backs, utilizing the entire width of the field to attack opponents and spread their personnel. While the change in formation might be a cultural shift for United’s players and supporters, Amorim is dedicated to the club’s rich tradition of playing daring football, with a mandate to entertain.
But does United have the right team to play the Amorim way? Or will he need to gradually move players out and bring in those who can implement his philosophy from practice to games?
In Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, United has full-backs who are comfortable playing further up the field and attacking from wide positions, although Amorim may consider replacing both with upgrades. It’s yet to be seen which of United’s centre-backs – Matthijs De Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans, and Harry Maguire can adjust to playing in a back-three, but if they can’t, they’ll be discarded.
Despite Amorim’s system sometimes being viewed as negative, with the wing-backs falling back to form a five-man defence when under pressure, Sporting scored over 100 goals last season, highlighting his commitment to an offensive ethos.
United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, is expected to take on the role of playmaker, alongside a central midfielder, likely the English prodigy Kobbie Mainoo. The No.9 position is currently held by Rasmus Hojlund, who is supported by two attackers chosen from Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Antony. Apart from his tactical prowess and unwavering faith in his system and formation, Amorim is also known for his ability to cultivate a team spirit among all those around him both players and staff.
His incredible loyalty and belief in collective success, with no tolerance for dissent or self-interest, have been praised by those who play and work with him. This approach contrasts with the recent situation at United.
Despite losing key players at Sporting, including United’s Manuel Ugarte, Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes, Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha and Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, Amorim has demonstrated his exceptional managerial skills by rebuilding his team and consistently winning. This is something United is eager for, which is why they are considering appointing the man often referred to as the ‘New Special One’, a disciple of Jose Mourinho.
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