Ruben Amorim has largely stuck to his principles since he joined Manchester United, but he has to make this tactical change to win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Since Manchester United sacked Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim has completely changed the formation and tactical setup, replicating most of his tactics from his time at Sporting CP.
The most significant change is the switch from the 4-2-3-1 to Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, which has angered several fans, as it moves away from United’s tradition of having exciting wingers by eliminating them from the system.
While the back three has caused some issues, this is not the tactical switch that Amorim needs to make, as it has shown promise. United’s form will improve when players are familiar with the new formation, and players are brought in who have experience outside of a four-man defence.
Amorim’s necessary change comes in his unique build-up structure, especially when André Onana is in possession. The Cameroonian is frequently left without a passing option because of the positioning of the defence.
Amorim’s build-up woes
Since Amorim’s arrival, playing out from the back has been a significant issue, even with Onana in goal, who was signed for his abilities on the ball rather than his shot-stopping capabilities. This has primarily been because of how the Portuguese manager sets up the back three when the goalkeeper has possession.
Harry Maguire, who plays in the middle of the back three, is pushed into midfield and plays alongside either Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte, as seen several times against Lyon. However, Maguire has never played in midfield and is therefore uncomfortable receiving the ball in this position.
This forces the wide centre-backs, who in recent weeks have been Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui, into positions where they would typically play in a back four. Again, this means that many of United’s players, such as Mazraoui and Luke Shaw, have to receive the ball in positions that are completely unnatural to them.
Amorim himself has said, “I’m trying a lot of [new] things during the games,” but he has failed to change this, despite there being a very simple solution available to him.
The change Amorim must make to beat Wolves
This change does not require a complete overhaul of Amorim’s principles, but rather requires him to adjust the positioning of individuals.
When United play out from the back, the central centre-back steps into midfield, and the rest of the five-man defence positions themselves as if they are playing in a back four. Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Diogo Dalot hold the width, with Mazraoui and Yoro on either side of the goalkeeper, allowing Alejandro Garnacho to drift out to the left wing and Bruno Fernandes to push into the attack.
The change Amorim must make is to push the right wing back into the frontline and drop Maguire back into defence. This means Maguire and Yoro, the latter praised for his “sublime” performance against Lyon, would be to the side of Onana, with Mazraoui and Dorgu stretching the pitch, allowing Dalot to stretch the pitch in attack.
Those playing in the double pivot, likely two of Casemiro, Ugarte and Fernandes, would sit just in front of the defence, with the two attacking midfielders ahead of them. This would create a 4-2-4 structure, replicating the current system, with players who can receive the ball in the position they are in.
Not only would it help United’s build-up play, but it would create fear in the opposition, especially when Amad returns, as the defence would now have to deal with four competent attackers.
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