Manchester United's season under Ruben Amorim has been a story of evolution, adaptation, and, ultimately, progress. While the Portuguese manager's arrival in November 2024 was met with both excitement and skepticism, a vital tactical change implemented in recent weeks has begun to reveal the true extent of his influence and the potential he's unlocking within the squad.
Initially, Amorim faced criticism for his perceived rigidity and adherence to a 3-4-3 formation, a system he successfully employed at Sporting Lisbon. However, as highlighted by critics such as Sean Dyche, this approach struggled to translate seamlessly to the Premier League, with Manchester United often appearing disjointed and predictable. After a series of mixed results and a failure to consistently break down opponents, Amorim recognized the need for tactical flexibility.
The pivotal shift has been a move towards a more adaptable system, with hints of a 3-4-1-2 formation being tested. This slight alteration has had a cascading effect, primarily by unlocking the potential of key players like Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. By allowing Fernandes to return to his preferred number 10 role, Amorim has provided the creative spark the team desperately needed. Furthermore, the deployment of Mbeumo and Cunha as a front two has injected pace, dynamism, and a clinical edge to United's attack.
This tactical tweak is not merely about accommodating individual talents; it represents a deeper understanding of the squad's strengths and weaknesses, as well as a willingness to adapt to the unique challenges posed by each opponent. Recent matches have showcased Amorim's tactical acumen, as he has tailored his approach to exploit specific vulnerabilities in the opposition's setup. For instance, in the 4-2 victory against Brighton, Amorim implemented a pressing strategy that stifled Brighton's central passing lanes, forcing them to play the ball into less dangerous areas. Similarly, against Liverpool, a compact 5-4-1 formation was deployed to nullify their threat in the half-spaces.
Beyond the tactical adjustments, Amorim's progress is also evident in the improved team spirit and mental fortitude. As Amorim himself noted after the recent 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, the team demonstrated a resilience and belief that was absent last season. Despite conceding two quick goals in the second half, United fought back to secure a draw, a testament to the manager's ability to instill a winning mentality.
Director of football Jason Wilcox has also indicated that the club will continue to support Amorim in the transfer market, aiming to bring in players who fit his tactical vision and possess the right character. The summer signings of Mbeumo, Cunha, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens, along with the promising performances of Benjamin Šeško, suggest that the club is committed to building a squad capable of challenging for major honors.
While it is still early days, the vital tactical change implemented by Ruben Amorim has provided a glimpse into the true progress being made at Manchester United. By embracing flexibility, unlocking the potential of his key players, and fostering a winning mentality, Amorim is gradually transforming the team into a force to be reckoned with. The journey is far from over, but the signs are encouraging, suggesting that Manchester United are finally heading in the right direction.
