Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has hinted at a possible tactical shift, suggesting the team might switch to a four-man defense. This comes after Amorim has consistently used a 3-4-3 formation in all 59 matches since he took over as head coach.
The possibility of a change arose after Monday's dramatic 4-4 draw against Bournemouth. In that game, the team seemed to alternate between a back four and a three-man defense. Amorim has faced criticism for a perceived lack of tactical flexibility. The absence of key players like Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, who are on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is also a factor influencing this potential change. Bryan Mbeumo is also at the tournament.
When questioned about whether Tyrell Malacia might be selected, Amorim indicated a willingness to adapt. "It will depend on the way we are playing that particular week. But if we have to change to a back four, we change to a back four," he stated.
Amorim's preferred 3-4-2-1 system relies heavily on wing-backs, and with Amad and Mazraoui unavailable, a switch to a back four with traditional full-backs becomes a viable option. This tactical shift could provide a solution to the challenges posed by the players' absence during AFCON.
Some observers believe a back four could be beneficial for Manchester United, potentially improving their attacking output and reducing the team's reliance on wing-backs. The first 45 minutes of the Bournemouth game saw arguably the best half of football under Amorim with the team playing a genuine back four. However, maintaining midfield discipline is crucial for the success of a four-man defense. Concerns exist about the team's tendency to leave one midfielder exposed while committing numerous players forward.
Despite the defensive vulnerabilities displayed in the Bournemouth game, where individual errors and questionable positioning contributed to goals conceded, Amorim has defended his back line. He has stated that the team has talent and quality in defense, but need to defend better.
Looking ahead, Manchester United will travel to Aston Villa. Amorim has acknowledged the need to play differently to secure a positive result against a strong Villa side. He highlighted Villa's maturity and tactical understanding, emphasizing the importance of adapting their approach.
