How Man United Could Line Up Under Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim takes the wheel as United boss next week, after some very successful years in charge of Sporting CP in Portugal.
He brings with him fresh ideas, with a new-look formation and his own distinct philosophy.
There should be a lot of change to what we saw under Erik Ten Hag at Old Trafford, but how exactly will the current United squad fit his system?
Let’s have a look at his preferred system, and how he might line-up his team in his first few weeks in charge.
Style of Play and Tactics
The Portuguese manager favours a 3-4-3 formation, prioritising high pressing and maintaining possession.
Amorim generally transitions to a 3-2-5 shape while attacking, and reverts to a 5-2-3 when defending—a marked contrast to the system we saw under Ten Hag.
While Amorim emphasises possession-based attacking football, his approach remains balanced, incorporating a strong defensive structure.
Under Ten Hag, United often used a 4-2-3-1 shape, though there was criticism that a clear style was lacking.
In contrast, Amorim has refined his 3-4-3 approach so that each player has a well-defined role, whether in possession or out.
His teams are adaptable, able to defend with a compact low block while also pressing aggressively when they lose the ball.
A constant feature of his 3-4-3 formation is the utilisation of attacking wing-backs across all areas of the pitch.
He often deploys two defensive midfielders to provide cover as his wing-backs advance high and stay wide, creating a 3-4-2-1 shape.
This allows two attacking midfielders to occupy spaces behind a lone forward, stretching the opposition’s defence.
How Could United Line Up In His First Few Weeks In Charge?
Amorim can introduce the high-pressing, possession-oriented style that INEOS seeks.
His back three would likely include Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, and Leny Yoro, with Harry Maguire also suited when fit.
Manuel Ugarte thrived in this set-up at Sporting and would likely return to his role as a defensive anchor in a double pivot with Kobbie Mainoo, or even Bruno Fernandes playing slightly deeper.
On paper, Amorim’s system doesn’t feature a traditional No.10 role, but Bruno Fernandes would likely start from the right side, with Amad also very suited to that more narrow position.
Amad’s or Fernandes’ movement into central areas behind Rasmus Hojlund would be facilitated by overlapping wing-backs.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui would compete for that right wing-back role. Amorim has a history of using youth players, so with Shaw and Malacia struggling for consistent fitness, Harry Amass could get his chance in that left wing-back role.
Alejandro Garnacho would challenge Marcus Rashford in the final third; Being narrower, and closer to goal, should help Rashford rediscover his consistent goal-scoring form that we saw the season before last.
how does Amorim’s 3-4-3 compare with Ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1 in terms of defence? always found we were a bit leaky at the back.
When Amorim finally plays 11 players in their correct positions, we’ll have found the holy grail, or maybe just a consistent starting XI, whichever comes first lol.
not convinced with Amorim using youngsters like harry amass that much, we need solid, proven players to get results, not just potential.
Amorim’s deployment of attacking wing-backs in a 3-4-3 demonstrates a modern football strategy, increasing width and allowing for midfield dominance. It’s a refreshing change that could revitalise United’s approach.
Loving what Amorim is bringing to the club. United needed this shake-up, can’t wait to see us back at the top where we belong!
All these fancy formations and tactics, what ever happened to just playing good, old-fashioned football? Not sure this high-pressing game suits United’s style.
Interesting to see how Amorim’s tactics will play out in the Premier League. Think it’ll be different from Ten Hag’s tactics, but only time will tell if it’s successful.
Amorim’s gonna realise soon that what works in Portugal doesn’t always fly in the Premier League. Good luck fitting square pegs into round holes!
Amorim’s got a vision for United, and I’m all in. Could be the start of a new era!