Manchester United have a crucial decision to make ahead of the January transfer window as their need for reinforcements increases.
Since the arrival of Rúben Amorim in November 2024, Manchester United have adopted a 3-4-2-1 formation in every outing, leading to lots of criticism over the Portuguese manager’s stubbornness.
Previous manager Erik ten Hag found short-term success in his time at Old Trafford by altering his tactical playing style for the profiles of players at the club. The former Ajax manager even spoke about his ability to re-create the playing style he demonstrated in the Eredivisie.
Whilst this did bring the Dutchman a Carabao Cup and an FA Cup in two seasons, the long-term reliability of the club took a major hit as Ten Hag was soon relieved of his duties as manager.
His replacement, Amorim, has remained confident in his formation, showing similarities to the likes of Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace and Raffaele Palladino at Atalanta. With the January transfer window looming, Amorim must replicate his decision with his first signing at the club, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu.
United must sign wing-back in January
Amorim’s formation means there is less defensive responsibility on the wing-backs, with United prioritising the wing-backs stretching the pitch and offering great attacking threat from wide.
This has proven to be very effective with the use of Amad, who was United’s star player last season, but the Ivorian has primarily found his joy cutting in on his preferred left foot rather than pushing to the by-line and crossing the ball across the face of the goal.
This has been a criticism of Diogo Dalot, who has consistently played as the left wing-back, which often limits the variation of United’s attack and forces him to cut inside as well.
Dorgu has also featured as a left-wing-back, offering a more versatile display of attacking options. The 21-year-old has also demonstrated this for his national side, as he has two goals in five games for Denmark this season from the left-back position.
More depth is certainly required in these positions, with question marks over how suited Noussair Mazraoui and Luke Shaw can be to the wing-back positions, and Dorgu improving with more game time.
Who is the right fit for United?
United have been linked with many players to potentially be the solution to Amorim’s system, with the likes of Daniel Munoz often occurring as a rumoured target for his impressive attacking output.
Similarly, United could have operated with Alvaro Carerras on the left-hand side, but the young Spaniard secured a move to Real Madrid after a successful loan and permanent move to Benfica.
Having a left-footed left-wing-back gives far more variability to United’s attacks as the wing-back has the option of swinging a cross in to an athletic presence such as Benjamin Sesko. Otherwise, they could utilise their left forward, often Matheus Cunha, who can cut in on his preferred right foot to shoot.
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Fans can expect United to be active in the January transfer window as players like Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee could be heading for a move away from Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, United can look to enhance their wingbacks to get the best out of their summer signings. Especially with the African Cup of Nations taking Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Mazraoui away from the squad for a substantial amount of time.
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