Ruben Amorim has suggested that he intends to implement his preferred 3-4-3 formation at Manchester United following his final match as manager of Sporting Lisbon.
The Manchester United status quo is on the brink of being destroyed by Ruben Amorim, who is preparing to implement his Sporting Lisbon blueprint.
Amorim is scheduled to arrive in Manchester from Lisbon on Monday; however, he has been compelled to delay his arrival at the training pitch as a result of work permit complications. On Sunday evening, he bid farewell to Sporting with a flourish, directing a 4-2 comeback victory at Braga. He is now entirely dedicated to the execution of his concepts at United.
The 39-year-old has achieved enormous success at Sporting, winning 71% of his matches and securing two league titles and two trophies. Amorim is not prepared to alter his philosophy, as his team has utilised a high-energy press and a 3-4-3 formation.
Amorin clarified in the press conference following his final Sporting match, “I am aware of my tactical approach at the outset, as it is essential to establish a structure that is familiar.” “We have limited time to train, so I must demonstrate a skill that I am highly proficient in.”
United have maintained a 4-2-3-1 formation for the past two and a half years under Erik ten Hag, and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has maintained this configuration. Amorim is on the brink of abandoning that methodology, as his inaugural match will be against Ipswich at Portman Road on November 24.
Gary Neville, a former United defender, anticipates that Amorim will experience some growing difficulties. “I can understand why he desired the position next summer; he would prefer to have a pre-season to implement the new system,” he stated on the Stick to Football podcast. “Those players have not played three at the back at all; some of them may have never played it.”
Paul Scholes, Neville’s former teammate, concurs; however, he has advised the team to exercise forbearance as they adjust. Scholes stated during The Overlap Fan Debate, “The old-fashioned three at the back – we tried it a few times, and I reckon we lasted about 10-12 minutes before we finally said ‘it’s not working.'”
We consistently returned to a back four, as it was the only approach we were familiar with. We are currently in a situation in which it is impossible to perceive us as a 4-4-2 or a 4-4-1-1 team; we must comply with the whims of our new coach.
Nevertheless, Danny Murphy, a former Liverpool midfielder, believes that United lack the necessary personnel to execute Amorim’s request. “It is contingent upon the manner in which the 3-4-3 is executed.” It is possible to employ it in a pragmatic or offensive manner. He informed Boylesports, “Manchester United has a plethora of talented players, including international players, who should be capable of adapting to a variety of systems.”
“However, they will encounter difficulties if he endeavours to replicate the current state of the Sporting team.” This is due to the fact that they employ a high line, press up, and dominate games, scoring numerous goals and creating numerous opportunities. I believe that United will encounter difficulty if they continue to operate in this manner, as they lack exceptional defensive legs.
