Ruben Amorim’s biggest concern at Manchester United right now is figuring out how to make the team more defensively solid.
Manchester United have been accused of not being entertaining enough this term, but that was certainly not the case against Bournemouth.
The 4-4 draw has been described as the game of the season so far and United were electric at times in attack. Yet their defensive woes meant that they only took one point from the game.
Ruben Amorim’s side have only kept one clean sheet so far this season and have conceded 26 goals in the league. Only five teams have conceded more.
The United boss has explained that the team need to improve defensively but he will probably have to wait to implement one potential solution.
Amorim suffers major blow ahead of Villa clash
United have been playing with three centre-backs all season. Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw have both been praised for some brilliant performances, but the goals are still being conceded.
Part of the issue has been the protection in front of the defence. While Bruno Fernandes is in excellent form, he does not shine in the deeper role when having to defend deeper and follow runs.
Reports of a formation change were proven correct against Bournemouth when Amorim changed to a four-at-the-back and this could allow a more natural midfield three to be used in front of the defence.
Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro could finally play together in the midfield pivot and Fernandes would play just in front of them. It is likely that there would be better protection in front of the backline with three players in the engine room.
But Amorim cannot test that midfield against Aston Villa in the next game as Casemiro is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Bournemouth.
United need to find defensive solution
Amorim’s decision for the midfield against Villa will be interesting. He could trial the same idea but use Manuel Ugarte instead of Casemiro. He could also attempt to play Mainoo and Fernandes together in the usual shape.
Whatever happens, United do need to figure out how to solve their defensive issues. The recent injuries to De Ligt and Harry Maguire have not helped things.
Read More: Rúben Amorim potentially set to reunite with Sporting CP ‘wonder-kid’ amid next transfer priority
Players also need to step up. United have always seemed to make individual mistakes for goals in recent years, regardless of the manager in the dugout.
If that side of things can improve then Amorim and his side would start collecting a lot more points and look much more solid.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.