Rúben Amorim could be forced into a tactical change after a Manchester United star proved to be crucial against Chelsea, despite playing in a new role.
Rúben Amorim has shown he doesn’t like to change from his 3-4-2-1 formation – like most Premier League managers – despite the poor results since he joined the club in November 2024.
Manchester United are still learning the back-three system, as they have almost always played a back four during the successful spells at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson.
For the first time in the Premier League this season, Amorim changed the starting personnel in his back three, as Harry Maguire replaced Leny Yoro.
This forced Matthijs de Ligt to the right side of central defence, having played as the most central centre-back in every other game this season.
Despite playing in a new role, de Ligt was brilliant and looked as if he had played in that position for years on end.
Amorim must consider Yoro switch
When Yoro and de Ligt have started together, the Frenchman has always occupied a wide role, with de Ligt playing more central. This continued when Maguire was withdrawn for Yoro against Chelsea.
However, de Ligt showed a willingness to follow his man into midfield against Enzo Maresca’s side, like Amorim needs his defenders to do if his midfield isn’t to be overloaded.
The former Ajax defender also regularly overlapped Noussair Mazraoui on the right flank; Chelsea’s defence couldn’t handle the number of United players on the wing.
In future games, de Ligt should continue as the right centre-back, while Yoro should move to the centre of defence and use his pace as a cover role.
Neither de Ligt nor Luke Shaw are blessed with pace, so playing Yoro in the middle could help get the best out of them, as the 19-year-old can cover for both players while holding down the centre.
Yoro would improve in the middle
While he hasn’t played in the centre in his short career, Yoro has played as both a right and left-sided centre-back since joining United under Erik ten Hag.
He has shown he is more than capable at playing out from the back using both feet, unlike de Ligt, who has a noticeably weaker left foot.
De Ligt and Yoro would benefit from the tactical tweak, while Amorim would also see vast improvements in United’s defensive shape. And boy does he need improvements.
At 6’3, Yoro would be able to hold his own against most Premier League centre forwards. It is time for a change, Amorim.
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