Ruben Amorim tactics, formation and playing style: How could Man Utd line up under new head coach?
One of Erik ten Hag's major challenges at Manchester United was his struggle to establish a recognizable style of play. Therefore, it's not surprising that the club has opted for Ruben Amorim as his replacement, as he brings a well-defined identity as a manager.
Over a period of four years at Sporting, where he secured two Portuguese league titles and two league cups – and had previously won a league cup with Braga – the 39-year-old has made a lasting impact on the team, which has stayed steady despite changes in its roster.
Amorim's Sporting is known for its style of play that focuses on maintaining possession through quick, short passes. The team employs a formation with three defenders and uses an intense pressing strategy, supported by a high defensive line.
As he gets ready to take charge at Old Trafford on November 11, with his first match being the away game against Ipswich following the international break, how effective will his approach be at Manchester United?
For a better experience with the video player, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
The Importance Of Back Three And Martínez
It seems improbable that Amorim will shift away from a three-man defense, as he has consistently used this setup in all 188 league and European matches with Sporting. Data from Opta shows that his preferred formation is 3-4-2-1, followed by 3-4-3, with 3-5-2 being the only other formation he has utilized.
Datawrapper This material is supplied by Datawrapper, which might be utilizing cookies and similar technologies. To display this content, we require your approval to use cookies. You can adjust your preferences using the buttons below to enable Datawrapper cookies or to allow them just for this one time. You can modify your settings at any moment through the Privacy Options. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to confirm whether you've agreed to Datawrapper cookies. To view this content, you can click the button below to permit Datawrapper cookies for this session only.
Datawrapper This content comes from Datawrapper, which may utilize cookies and similar technologies. To display this content, we need your approval to use cookies. You can adjust your preferences using the buttons below to allow Datawrapper cookies or to accept them just for this session. You have the option to update your settings at any time through the Privacy Options. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to confirm whether you've agreed to Datawrapper cookies. To access this content, you can click the button below to permit Datawrapper cookies for this session only.
His new players will need some time to adapt. During Ten Hag's tenure, Manchester United played nearly 90 percent of their league and European matches in a 4-2-3-1 formation. They didn't play a single game in those competitions with a back three, as reported by Opta.
Matthijs de Ligt is the top candidate to take his place in the middle of Amorim's three-man defense at United, considering how crucial leadership and experience are for that position. On the other hand, the wider center-back roles appear to be a great fit for Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez.
Spotify This content is brought to you by Spotify, which may utilize cookies and similar technologies. To display this content, we require your approval for cookie usage. You can adjust your preferences using the buttons below to either enable Spotify cookies or grant permission for a single instance. You can modify your settings at any time through the Privacy Options. Unfortunately, we cannot confirm whether you have agreed to Spotify cookies. To access this content, please use the button below to permit Spotify cookies for this session only.
Yoro hasn't had the chance to prove himself in the Premier League yet, as he sustained a foot injury during pre-season. However, there's no question about his talent. The advantage of playing alongside two central defenders instead of just one might make his adjustment smoother once he gets back to full fitness.
For better video playback, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
Having more players in the lineup could also help Martinez. Despite being one of United's standout performers under Ten Hag, he has found it challenging to operate effectively in a two-man setup. Playing on the left side of a three-man defense, he might be able to take on a role similar to that of Goncalo Inacio, who plays in the same position at Sporting.
Similar to Martinez, Inacio is highly skilled with the ball and is known for his exceptional passing ability. Amorim has entrusted him with more responsibility than any of his teammates during Sporting's build-up play. This season, he averages an impressive 95.9 passes per game, which is the highest in the Portuguese league.
Inacio was instructed to make passes that would advance the ball to Sporting's midfielders and forwards whenever he could, and Amorim will likely expect the same from Martinez. This season, tracking data from Second Spectrum shows that Inacio has managed to bypass 746 defenders, which is a staggering 54 percent more than any other player on the United team.
In simpler terms, he is already performing a comparable role, which Amorim is probably aware of as he prepares his strategies for both offensive and defensive plays.
Spotify This content is provided by Spotify and may involve the use of cookies and other technologies. In order to display this content, we need your permission to utilize cookies. You can adjust your preferences using the buttons below to either allow Spotify cookies or to permit them for this session only. Your settings can be modified at any time through the Privacy Options. Unfortunately, we cannot confirm whether you have agreed to the use of Spotify cookies. If you would like to see this content, you can click the button below to allow Spotify cookies just for this session.
When Amorim's team is on defense, the three center-backs shift to form a back five. However, the wing-backs are mainly used for offense, focusing on creating space on the flanks while also being key players in scoring and assisting goals.
Ten Hag aimed to have his full-backs advance significantly when they had the ball. However, this strategy had its weaknesses, as his two center-backs weren't able to fill the gaps left behind. As a result, opposing teams often capitalized on the mistakes following these turnovers.
With improved defensive support, the same players could concentrate on their offensive duties without worrying about leaving themselves vulnerable at the back. Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are more suited to traditional full-back roles instead of wing-backs, but they can certainly contribute effectively in the attacking phase. The same applies to the injured Luke Shaw.
Amorim has been instrumental in the success of many players in his wing-back positions at Sporting. One notable example is Pedro Porro, who achieved an impressive record of 13 goals and 14 assists over two and a half seasons in Lisbon. His strong performance ultimately led to a £39.7 million transfer to Tottenham, which took place last summer after he spent some time on loan.
For a better video playback experience, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
Recently, Nuno Santos has shown even greater effectiveness on the field, scoring four goals and providing 10 assists in 32 league matches last season, primarily playing as a left wing-back.
Santos, similar to others who have played this role under Amorim, is a player who naturally excels as a winger. This opens up the intriguing possibility—though it might seem improbable—of using a more forward-thinking wide player in this position. Options like Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, or even Antony could potentially be shifted to play there.
Is Ugarte's Reunion Vital For Amorim?
Manuel Ugarte excelled under Amorim at Sporting, transforming from a supporting player to an essential part of the team in just two seasons before securing a £50 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. Although he had a challenging beginning at United, the presence of his previous manager should provide him with some comfort.
Ugarte still has to adjust to the challenges of the Premier League, no doubt. However, Amorim understands how to maximize his potential. He showed this at Sporting by letting Ugarte showcase his abilities. While players like Inacio were tasked with advancing the ball, Ugarte’s role was to concentrate on regaining possession.
During the 2022/23 season, the Uruguayan player placed sixth on Sporting's roster for the number of passes made per 90 minutes, but his defensive contributions stood out significantly. With a total of 121 tackles, he led all players in Portugal and ranked fourth among the top leagues in Europe.
His skill in winning the ball was utilized to safeguard Sporting's defense. However, it was also employed in more advanced positions on the field.
Datawrapper This information is brought to you by Datawrapper, which may utilize cookies and other tracking technologies. To display this content, we require your approval to use cookies. You can choose your preferences below to either permit Datawrapper cookies or just allow them for this instance. You can adjust your preferences anytime through the Privacy Options. Unfortunately, we have not been able to confirm if you have agreed to Datawrapper cookies. To access this content, you can click the button below to allow Datawrapper cookies for this session only.
Although he is primarily known as a defensive midfielder, Ugarte played a crucial role in making Sporting's high-press strategy successful that season. He managed to win back possession in the attacking third a remarkable 23 times, more than any other player in the league.
His grasp of Amorim's strategy when not in possession could be beneficial for the new manager. United hopes that his tenacious style will complement the playmaking skills of someone like Kobbie Mainoo. This is especially promising since Amorim is known for fostering young talent, and he is likely to take on Mainoo's development.
"Will Bruno Join The Front Three?"
Amorim has several other midfield alternatives to think about, such as Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, and Casemiro. He might also choose to use Bruno Fernandes in a more defensive position.
However, Amorim typically favors players with a more defensive mindset for the two midfield positions. The 30-year-old, who transferred from Sporting to United just weeks before Amorim took over in March 2020, is more likely to play a supportive role for the striker.
He wouldn't be positioned out on the flanks. Since his wing-backs play near the sidelines, Amorim typically uses his wingers more toward the center of the field, rather than out wide.
Naturally, Fernandes excels in those positions. Amorim’s decision to utilize Pedro Goncalves in a comparable role at Sporting could offer some insight into how Fernandes might be deployed.
For a better video viewing experience, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
Goncalves has been pushed to move inside from the left side, and under Amorim's guidance, he has achieved impressive statistics, netting 81 goals and contributing 56 assists in 187 matches across all competitions.
Marcus Rashford likes to move in from the left side, which could lead to Fernandes playing on the other wing. However, he would still be able to reach the central areas where he poses a significant threat.
Gyokeres: A Role Model For Hojlund
In the past two seasons at Sporting, Amorim has finally enjoyed the benefit of having a genuine, highly productive striker. Before Viktor Gyokeres joined the team and netted 59 goals in 65 appearances, his leading scorers were wingers, Goncalves and Pablo Sarabia.
For a better experience with the video player, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
However, his achievements with Gyokeres provide optimism that he can extract better performances from United's forwards, especially the £72 million Rasmus Hojlund, who has netted just 18 goals in 52 matches across all competitions since joining Old Trafford from Atalanta last year.
While Hojlund is fast, he hasn't shown the same strength and ability to carry the ball as Gyokeres. Gyokeres' straightforward playing style has added a new element to Sporting's game. However, Hojlund would definitely thrive with the level of support that the Sweden international has enjoyed under Amorim's coaching.
Looking at their performances over the past two seasons clearly shows a significant difference in their stats. In Portugal, Gyokeres has been taking almost four shots every 90 minutes, while Hojlund's shot average at United is much lower, at just 1.6 per 90 minutes. It's no wonder his goal count is considerably less. For strikers, having a high number of shots is crucial.
Hojlund's lack of involvement under Erik ten Hag goes beyond just his attempts at goal. While playing for United, he has averaged just 28.4 touches per 90 minutes, whereas Gyokeres has managed 44.6 touches per 90 minutes at Sporting. Additionally, Gyokeres has more than twice the number of touches inside the opponent's penalty area.
Datawrapper This information is shared by Datawrapper, which may utilize cookies and similar technologies. In order to display this content, we require your approval to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to adjust your cookie preferences, enabling Datawrapper cookies or granting permission just for this instance. You can modify your settings anytime through the Privacy Options. Unfortunately, we have not been able to confirm if you have agreed to Datawrapper cookies. To access this content, you can click the button below to permit Datawrapper cookies for this session only.
Gyokeres benefits, in part, from being close to Sporting's wingers, who can connect with him more effectively due to their inward positioning. Amorim aims to achieve a similar dynamic with his wingers at United, hoping that it will enhance Hojlund's overall participation in the game and boost his goal-scoring potential.
It's just one of several aspects of strategic interest leading up to Amorim's highly awaited arrival.
