Manchester United’s two “biggest casualties” have now become clear under Rúben Amorim

It has become clear who will be Manchester United’s two biggest casualties under Rúben Amorim’s new system, says an ex-Premier League winger.

Rúben Amorim has spent the past five weeks settling into his role as Manchester United’s head coach, taking over from Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

In his first nine matches, Amorim has guided United to four wins, one draw, and four losses across all competitions. While the results have been inconsistent, his tactical vision is beginning to take shape on the pitch.

Players like Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, and Noussair Mazraoui have flourished under his management, becoming essential to Amorim’s plans and solidifying their status as undroppable within the squad.

Amorim has faced several challenges during his early weeks in charge but has handled them with composure and professionalism, paving the way for a new era at Manchester United.

The two biggest United casualties in Amorim’s system

A significant shift that’s occurred as part of Amorim’s new reign is the new system the club have employed on the pitch.

Differing from Erik ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formations the Dutchman favoured, United have switched to playing a three at the back system, setting up in a 3-4-3 with one striker and two attacking midfielders.

Former Premier League winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, who played 315 games in the competition for Chelsea, Manchester City, and QPR, has named Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford as two of the “biggest casualties” of Amorim’s system, speaking to sportscasting.

“I think, not because of talent, but Rashford and Garnacho have got a problem because they’re not used to playing that 10 position, both of them are used to being very wide,” Wright-Phillips explained.

“He doesn’t play wide wingers; he plays with wingbacks, and I don’t think either of those two could be a wingback.

“I think they’re going to find it hard to get into Amorim’s team in terms of attacking positions because I don’t think he knows his front two or three yet.

“Amorim has tried Zirkzee and Rasmus, and both are completely different sort of strikers. He messes around with the two number 10s, but I don’t think it is going to work for all of United’s attacking players unless he teaches them how to play that role.

“I can see Amorim bringing in a few of his own players in the summer or even in January if he can get them.”

Rashford has not been involved in United’s last three squads after admitting that he is looking for a new challenge in 2025. Garnacho has yet to play more than one hour of a game this month, starting two of the six ties in December.

While Garnacho is still set for a future at the club, Rashford is likely on his way out in either January or the 2025 summer window.

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