Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United: Early Changes and Lingering Challenges

Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has already shown signs of change, though certain issues will require more time to address. Despite having only a few training sessions with some players due to the international break before his inaugural match against Ipswich, promising patterns of play were evident. The team displayed a clear balance in Sunday’s draw, attributed to the adoption of his 3-4-3 system, with specific tactical elements visibly implemented. Amorim is working to instill greater composure and measured play in possession for United, though the team also executed quick, purposeful forward passes. Overall, they appeared more confident and courageous with the ball than in recent times. Conversely, a vulnerability remained as opponents could still easily penetrate their defense when United lacked possession. This enabled Ipswich to assert themselves in the match, and given their opportunities, they likely felt disappointed not to have secured a win. An analysis of Amorim’s tactics indicates Manchester United is more ‘dynamic’ but still has ‘room for improvement’. A key component of United’s offensive strategy involved advancing their wing-backs, exemplified by Amad Diallo’s contribution to an early goal. Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho, positioned behind Marcus Rashford, also occupied central spaces, operating more narrowly than Diallo and Diogo Dalot. This represented a modified role for Garnacho, who typically plays wider as a winger, a point previously emphasized on MOTD2. As highlighted by Murphy on MOTD2, an instance showed Alejandro Garnacho (circled, left) and Bruno Fernandes positioned centrally near Marcus Rashford. Concurrently, Diogo Dalot (circled, right) provided width on United’s left flank. Ipswich full-back Alex Tuanzebe’s tracking of Garnacho infield created space for Dalot (circled) to advance down the flank when the ball is played forward. Amorim’s rationale for positioning Garnacho and Fernandes in more central zones is twofold: it creates space for the wing-backs and enables them to turn with the ball and drive directly towards goal. This tactic was employed multiple times in the first half, contributing to United’s significantly more dynamic and threatening attacking display compared to the conclusion of Erik ten Hag’s managerial tenure. This attacking impetus, however, was not sustained. Amorim likely anticipated a more robust offensive performance from his team in the second half and will be privately disappointed by their failure to create further difficulties for Ipswich. Credit must be given to Ipswich’s game management; their high-energy playing style is unsustainable for a full 90 minutes. After a period of open, end-to-end play, their players, having worked intensely, adopted a more defensive posture in the second half, occupying the spaces United had previously exploited. This tactical shift stabilized the match until Ipswich introduced substitutions to revitalize their attacking players, subsequently preventing United from penetrating their defense. All tactical systems possess inherent advantages and disadvantages, and even if this United squad were accustomed to a 3-4-3 formation, its implementation still presents challenges. Although positioning Garnacho and Fernandes centrally proved effective offensively, it simultaneously allowed Ipswich’s full-backs to advance with ease, creating wide overloads by combining with their wingers. Another drawback of this formation is the extensive ground coverage required from the two central midfielders, especially within the demanding environment of the Premier League. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen faced significant defensive responsibilities, and it could be contended that the necessary athleticism is not their primary strength. Ipswich’s effective play further complicated their task by constantly drawing them out of position. For United’s midfielders to excel in this role, they must possess more than mere mobility. Both players will need to embrace defensive duties, demonstrate an ability to anticipate threats, and possess the speed to neutralize them. Over the long term, Manuel Ugarte is considered a potential candidate for one of these midfield positions. While he requires a consistent run of matches to regain peak sharpness, his capabilities have been glimpsed, such as in the Europa League against Fenerbahce last month, and he previously thrived under Amorim at Sporting. Regarding Ugarte’s midfield partner, it is anticipated that this player will likely be an external acquisition. Significant transfer market activity will be necessary over the next two windows to secure the specific player profile Amorim deems essential. Until such acquisitions are made, United will consistently face challenges when out of possession. Nevertheless, the team is expected to evolve, as are Amorim’s tactical approaches. As stated on MOTD2, it would be surprising if United were still employing the identical 3-4-3 system in a year, given the distinct nature of the Premier League compared to continental leagues. For United to progress and contend for the title, Amorim’s formation is likely to transform, but for now, supporters have witnessed initial signs of improvement. Danny Murphy’s comments were made during an interview with BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan. Amorim also stated that Mazraoui is ‘important’ for Man United.