Rúben Amorim should consider playing one Manchester United star in a different role against Liverpool this weekend.
Manchester United face Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend, with Rúben Amorim requiring a promising performance to keep fans on side at Old Trafford.
Before Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public backing of the United manager, Amorim was under heavy pressure, and many fans had come to the conclusion that it was time to part ways with the former Sporting CP boss.
While United fans won’t be expecting to win on Sunday afternoon, Amorim can’t afford another embarrassing performance; United must bring the fight to Anfield.
In the past, some United managers have made slight tweaks to their system and got positive results away from home against Liverpool. Amorim could consider doing the same.
The international break has given the Portuguese coach time to think about a specific strategy for Sunday afternoon, with many first-team players remaining at Carrington during the international break.
Amorim should switch Shaw to left-wing-back
Luke Shaw has started all seven of United’s Premier League matches on the left side of the back three, with Ayden Heaven forced to the bench and Lisandro Martínez still out injured. However, he played his best football as an attacking left-back under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
If Amorim continues to play the 4-4-2 out-of-possession shape he played against Sunderland, Shaw could make the switch to left-wing-back without changing roles too significantly.
Without the ball, he would be playing as a natural left-back with Mason Mount ahead of him, and with the ball, he would be given freedom to affect the game in the final third like he used to.
Shaw – who has been described as “solid” – would be up against Mohammed Salah, whom he has shut down in past meetings between the two clubs.
Patrick Dorgu would likely struggle against the Liverpool forward, but could come on later in the game if United are chasing a goal.
Who would replace Shaw in the back three?
A recent report has suggested that Noussair Mazraoui could return to the squad in time to be in contention to face Liverpool this weekend. He has been brilliant when available and could be chosen in the back three.
If Amorim does stick with the 4-4-2, Leny Yoro should move to the left side of the back three, with Mazraoui coming on the right. Without the ball, Mazraoui and Shaw would play as natural full-backs, with Amad pushing up into the midfield.
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Alternatively, Harry Maguire could start in the centre of the back three, with Matthijs de Ligt and Yoro playing as the wide-centre-backs if Mazraoui isn’t ready to start.
Shaw’s defensive solidity against Salah will be crucial to winning the game, while his crossing ability could see Benjamin Šeško continue his goal-scoring run to three games.
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