Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United, which began in November 2024, is facing increasing scrutiny as his tactical philosophy struggles to take root at Old Trafford, creating a new set of problems for the club. Despite initial optimism surrounding his appointment, the team's performances have been inconsistent, leading to questions about Amorim's ability to implement his vision effectively.
Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 formation, a system rarely seen in English football, is designed to control possession and emphasizes vertical play. This approach requires versatile players capable of adapting to multiple roles, and center-backs who can deliver precise forward passes. However, the current Manchester United squad, assembled under different managers with varying tactical approaches, lacks the natural wing-backs and balanced center-back pairings necessary for Amorim's system to flourish.
One of the key issues is the imbalance within the squad. Amorim's tactics demand a high level of tactical discipline and understanding, and the team's struggle to adapt has resulted in disjointed performances. While Amorim aims to reduce dependency on individual players by fostering a pattern-based style of play, the transition has been slow and fraught with challenges.
Defensively, Amorim's teams are known for shifting into either a 4-4-2 or a 5-4-1 formation, maintaining a compact shape with a narrow backline. However, the lack of a cohesive defensive unit and the struggle to maintain a high backline have left Manchester United vulnerable to opposition attacks. The team's inability to effectively press and win the ball back quickly has further compounded their defensive woes.
Adding to the pressure, Manchester United's poor start to the 2025/26 season has put Amorim's job in jeopardy. With the team struggling to climb the Premier League table and already out of the EFL Cup, speculation is mounting about potential replacements. Despite public assurances of support from the United board, reports suggest that Amorim has a limited time frame to turn things around.
Despite the challenges, there have been glimpses of promise under Amorim's leadership. The recent 1-0 victory over Newcastle, achieved with a change in formation and a focus on defensive solidity, demonstrated Amorim's willingness to adapt. However, consistency remains elusive, and the team's long-term direction remains uncertain.
As Manchester United navigate this period of transition, the key question is whether Amorim will be given the time and resources to fully implement his philosophy. The need to balance long-term vision with short-term results creates a complex challenge for the Portuguese coach, who must find a way to bridge the gap between his tactical ideals and the realities of the current squad. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Amorim can overcome these obstacles and guide Manchester United back to success, or whether his philosophy will ultimately prove to be a mismatch for the club's current needs.
