Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, has emphasized the importance of time in reshaping the team’s performance and characteristics. After a difficult game to Everton, he focused on clear things that could improve, mainly with his wing-back setup. Amorim’s tactical decisions are being questioned as his team can’t seem to get going in the Premier League so far. This arrives regardless of the membership’s latest £200 million funding spree on new attacking stars.
In the recent match against Everton, Amorim noted that having Amad Diallo, a player capable of utilizing his right foot effectively, could have significantly influenced the outcome. The decision to bring on Diogo Dalot for left wing-back Patrick Dorgu. As a result of this decision, Manchester United lost much of their attacking threat on that flank. This change raised questions about Amorim’s tactical decisions and whether he is adapting his strategies to suit the current squad.
Struggles in Wing-Back Performance
Ruben Amorim’s tactics at Manchester United have been widely criticized, especially for the lack of impact from his wing-backs. His subsequent time at Sporting couldn’t have been more different. During the last 2023/24, his three best wing-backs there managed just 26 goal involvements between them in league matches. By contrast, his current bunch of wing-backs have scored only in four out of 67 starts between them. This massive shortfall exemplifies the decrease in attacking production since he was given the reigns at Manchester United.
The 21-year-old Diallo has developed into an integral piece of the team’s roster. He’s been directly involved in 9 of Manchester United’s 13 goals plus assists this season, a staggering 70 percent. Other wing-backs employed by Amorim have failed to leave their mark. Then you have players like Dorgu, Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Amass and even Tyrell Malacia who aren’t looking good so far. This disturbing productivity gap should lead us to question just how effectively Amorim’s system unlocks player potential.
Amorim himself recognized that things need to change in order to do better. His other primary suggestion was to bring in another attacking wing-back to rotate with Diallo. This change would be critical for energizing the team’s collective offensive effectiveness.
“We play in a different way. You can understand that by data. It is hard to explain everything. They are a different club and they are doing things better than us. That is quite simple.” – Ruben Amorim
Analyzing Tactical Decisions
This was particularly evident from some of Amorim’s tactical choices during the game against Everton. These selections made a huge impact and created excitement and division among commentators and supporters alike. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville offered a scathing attack on O’Neil’s choice to introduce Diogo Dalot. He asked what was the point of making this switch, particularly as the team had already been playing in a five-at-the-back system. His comments exemplified the increasing panic as Amorim continued to double down on his tactical system despite blatant struggles.
“Bringing Dalot on over there in front of Luke Shaw? I don’t quite see it. You have five at the back, why? Embarrassing.” – Gary Neville
As Marcotti pointed out, Neville even went in on Manchester United’s tempo. He emphasized the importance of quick tempo ball movement and long coordinated periods of attack. He made the important observation that the box was invisible. This concern has since morphed into a consistent thread in their shows.
“This should be like the Alamo. Really quick, high-tempo passing side-to-side, getting into good wide areas, putting crosses in, getting bodies in attack, sustaining attacks. It’s very slow from United. There is no presence in the box whatsoever.” – Gary Neville
In response to such criticism, Oliver Glasner stuck up for Amorim’s system, all the while recognizing that things certainly look better this season compared to last year. He noted that, as of this blog’s writing, Manchester United’s xG for scoring is highest in the league.
“It’s really funny talking about the 3-4-3 system, and I think United have the highest xG in the Premier League for scoring goals.” – Oliver Glasner
Future Prospects for Manchester United
At Manchester United, they’re in the midst of a transitional man under Ruben Amorim. Many are doubting if he can really go about injecting his trademark vision inside the squad. While parallels can be drawn between his approach at Sporting and tactics today, the need for adaptation is paramount to returning positive results on the pitch.
Jamie Carragher pointed out that Amorim’s steadfastness and faith in his system is what differentiates him from past managers. Whether this commitment will translate into success remains to be seen. Having such a creative team will require a change from their team to capitalize on their potential, though.
“Ruben Amorim feels like the first manager I’ve seen who sticks with a system rather than an idea of how to play.” – Jamie Carragher
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