## Ruben Amorim: A New Era Begins at Manchester United
The arrival of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United signals a departure from the Erik ten Hag era. Known for his distinct tactical philosophy honed over four successful years at Sporting CP, Amorim brings a fresh approach that promises to invigorate the Red Devils.
Amorim’s hallmark is a possession-based, short-passing game, frequently orchestrated within a three-at-the-back formation. This system is further amplified by an aggressive pressing strategy facilitated by a high defensive line. It’s a style that has yielded consistent success at Sporting, winning two Portuguese league titles and two league cups. Now, the question is, how will this approach translate to the Premier League and the demanding atmosphere of Old Trafford?
### Back Three and the Importance of Martinez
Amorim is unlikely to abandon his trusted back three, having deployed it consistently in his 188 league and European games at Sporting. His most common formation, according to Opta, is a 3-4-2-1, followed by 3-4-3. This represents a significant shift for United, who predominantly played a 4-2-3-1 under ten Hag.
The central role in Amorim’s back three is likely to be filled by Matthijs de Ligt, bringing leadership and experience to the backline. The wide centre-back positions, meanwhile, seem well-suited to Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez.
Martinez, despite being one of United’s stronger performers under ten Hag, sometimes struggled in a two-man defensive pairing. In Amorim’s system, he could thrive as the left-sided centre-back, mirroring the role of Goncalo Inacio at Sporting. Inacio’s exceptional passing ability and ball-carrying skills were crucial to Sporting’s build-up play, and Martinez’s similar attributes suggest he could be a central figure in Amorim’s tactical plans.
### Wing-backs: Attacking Weapons with Added Protection
While Amorim’s back three transforms into a back five when defending, his wing-backs are primarily attacking weapons, tasked with providing width and contributing goals and assists. This approach aligns with ten Hag’s desire to utilize full-backs offensively, but Amorim’s system offers crucial protection for the backline.
The added security provided by the three-man defense could allow players like Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot, and Luke Shaw to focus on their attacking responsibilities without the fear of being exposed defensively. Amorim’s track record of developing wing-backs, including Pedro Porro and Nuno Santos, indicates a potential for exciting attacking play from United’s wide players.
### Ugarte Reunion and the Key to Amorim’s System
Manuel Ugarte, a former star under Amorim at Sporting, could be instrumental in the manager’s success at United. The familiarity with his former boss should help him adapt to the Premier League, but Ugarte’s defensive intensity and ability to win possession high up the pitch could be key to implementing Amorim’s pressing strategy.
Ugarte’s tireless work rate and ball-winning ability, combined with the playmaking skills of Kobbie Mainoo, could form a formidable midfield partnership. Amorim’s ability to nurture young talent bodes well for Mainoo’s development.
### Bruno Fernandes: A New Role in Amorim’s Attack?
While Amorim typically favors more defensively-minded midfielders, Bruno Fernandes’s versatility offers intriguing possibilities. He could potentially operate in a deeper role, but his attacking instincts suggest a more attacking role is likely.
Amorim’s use of Pedro Goncalves at Sporting, deployed in a similar inside-forward position, provides a blueprint for Fernandes’ potential role. His ability to cut inside from the flanks and unlock defenses could be devastating in this system.
### Rasmus Højlund: Gyokeres Model for Success
The arrival of Amorim presents an opportunity for Rasmus Højlund to unlock his scoring potential. While the young striker has shown flashes of brilliance, his goal output at United has been underwhelming.
However, Amorim’s success with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting offers hope. Gyokeres’ prolific scoring rate and ability to operate effectively in Amorim’s system could inspire Højlund. The key lies in providing him with more service, increasing his touches in dangerous areas, and integrating him better into the team’s attacking flow.
### A Tactical Revolution at Old Trafford
Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United marks a new chapter for the club. His distinct tactical approach, centered around possession, pressing, and a three-at-the-back formation, presents both challenges and opportunities. The success of this revolution will depend on the adaptation of players, the chemistry built within the squad, and the manager’s ability to implement his vision.
