Manchester United are in the process of securing Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim as their new boss.
Erik Ten Hag was given his marching orders on Monday morning, following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United on Sunday. The Red Devils are willing to pay the compensation package for Amorim with reports he has verbally agreed to a move to Old Trafford.
If he takes the reins, fans may need to brace themselves for a change in formation. Amorim has found success in Portugal using a 3-4-3 system, which includes wing-backs.
This is thought to be his preferred system and could be implemented at United. A 3-4-3 formation provides both defensive strength and attacking options, with the wing-backs expected to fall back into a five-man defence when the opposition has the ball and push forward to support the attack when in possession.
This could pose a problem for United due to a shortage of left-sided defenders, but it could prove beneficial in the long run once injured players return, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Andre Onana, who joined from Inter Milan in July 2023, is set to continue as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper. He has shown significant improvement this season, starting all but one of the club’s 14 matches.
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His shot-stopping skills were on full display during last week’s 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce, and he remains eager to showcase his ball-playing abilities that made him United’s top choice to replace David de Gea last year. In terms of defence, a 3-4-3 formation will see Amorim field three central defenders.
United bolstered their centre-back options over the summer by signing Leny Yoro from Lille and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. De Ligt has had a shaky start at United, while Yoro is yet to make his debut after suffering a metatarsal fracture during the club’s pre-season tour of the US.
The club hopes the Frenchman will be fit to play sometime in November. Once he regains his match fitness, he could become a crucial part of the club’s strongest starting XI.
He is seen as a future star, and United will want to harness his potential as soon as possible, with the help of experienced players like Lisandro Martinez and De Ligt.
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Yoro could be the perfect fit for the right-sided centre-back position, while Martinez’s passing range makes him ideal for the left-sided role. De Ligt has the ability to operate between them.
Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia would compete for the two wing-back positions. Despite injuries sidelining Shaw and Malacia, Dalot and Mazraoui are ready for selection.
Dalot excels on the right with his speed and skill, while Mazraoui can adapt to play on the left. The potential shift to a 3-4-3 system under Amorim could pose a challenge in midfield.
With a strong roster when everyone is fit, choosing just two for the engine room will be tough. Amorim will need to balance defensive and attacking play.
Kobbie Mainoo, one of United’s top players with huge potential, should remain a starter. He’s an offensive player who can also assist defensively.
Bruno Fernandes, still the club captain, can produce game-changing moments even if he hasn’t been at his best this season. Getting the best out of him will be a task for Amorim if he moves to Old Trafford.
In terms of the attack, United’s front three could be a mirror image of the one Ten Hag selected for his last game at the helm over the weekend. This implies that Rasmus Hojlund might remain as the club’s main striker, flanked by Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford.
United’s most formidable XI includes: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Fernandes, Mazraoui; Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho.