Rúben Amorim’s tactical changes aren’t likely to be completed until one Manchester United star returns to the first team squad.
Despite a clear stubbornness when he first took charge at Manchester United, Rúben Amorim has begun to change his tactics in recent weeks, including his 3-4-2-1 shape. He had previously stated: “not even the Pope” could make him change his formation.
United shifted to a back four setup against AFC Bournemouth in the final game before Christmas. Amorim continued with the 4-2-3-1 shape against Aston Villa and Newcastle United, but reverted to his old back three against Wolves on 30 December, in a shockingly poor 1-1 draw.
Losing Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount was always going to prove difficult for the United squad, but drawing against the worst side in the Premier League will not be quickly forgiven by the United fans.
Amorim’s justification for reverting to the back three system was Wolves’ shape. “We knew that they will play with a five,” said Amorim. “They will use the width…So, we try to arrange the right situations for the right situation that we have in the moment.”
Perhaps Amorim wouldn’t have felt the need to match Wolves with a back three formation if he had his full squad available. Amad, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo have all been huge misses since the start of AFCON, not to mention Fernandes, Mount, Matthijs de Ligt or Harry Maguire.
Mazraoui’s return is the key
While Amad and Mbeumo are clear misses, Mazraoui is a little more understated. The Moroccan had a difficult start to the campaign – with an injury in pre-season and another in the season – but he was crucial to Amorim in 2024/25.
Mazraoui, who cost United just over £12 million, has made 49 appearances under Amorim, despite not having a natural role in his back three formation. However, he could play in his usual right-back position in Amorim’s new back four.
So far, Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot have played in that role, but neither has lived up to expectations.
Yoro isn’t a natural right-back and struggles to defend in the wide areas. Anthony Gordon found much joy when Yoro was substituted on against Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
Unlike the young Frenchman, Dalot is a natural right-back, but hasn’t impressed for much of this season, including his performances in a back four. He must improve soon if he is to be trusted as a regular player for United.
Mazraoui will offer balance
With Mazraoui on one side and Luke Shaw on the other, United will be able to shift who makes up their back three shape. When Shaw joins the attack, Mazraoui can invert and become the right-centre-back, while Shaw could become the left-centre-back when Mazraoui drives down the right side.
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Their flexibility would also allow Amorim to shift between shapes in a game, even more so if Amad or Patrick Dorgu are on the flanks.
Mazraoui’s progression is among the best in Europe, when compared to other centre-backs, as per FBRef: 4.66 progressive passes per 90 (83rd percentile) and 1.95 progressive carries per 90 (95th percentile).
His ability to move the ball from back to front could help United cope without Fernandes while he is absent through injury, although the captain could return before Mazraoui.
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