Ruben Amorim made a promise to Manchester United fans when he arrived at Carrington in November.
The biggest criticism of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United was that the Dutchman’s side lacked a style of play – that was something Ineos wanted to rectify when Ruben Amorim was appointed as head coach.
Amorim implemented a “spectacular” style of play at Sporting Lisbon which saw the Portuguese side become league champions. His task is now trying to replicate that style at United.
Ever since Amorim’s first match against Ipswich Town, United have lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with two wing-backs either side of a back three. It is a big change from Ten Hag’s system, and players are still adapting three months in.
Amorim has repeatedly called for patience at United as he gets his ideas across to players. Mostly because he has not – and will not – change his philosophy.
Ruben Amorim will not change
After a bright start to life at United, Amorim warned fans a “storm will come” and he was spot on as results worsened over the next few weeks.
The Portuguese head coach knows it will take time to adapt, but he is willing to suffer short-term pain to achieve long-term results. Call it stubborn or call it determined, Amorim has made up his mind.
Amorim stressed that point at the end of December following the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.
“I cannot change my idea in one day because we will lose much more now. So I will try to do it the way I am trying to do it,” Amorim said.
“I adapt for every game – the positioning, the way the players are trying to cope without training. So it’s really hard for them. But I maintain my idea, I want to play a certain way until the end.
“If I change everything now, we are going to lose everything.”
Man United have changed formation less than any other side
A remarkable report from The Athletic shows that Amorim has kept his promise at United by sticking to his philosophy throughout his time at the club.
Their analysis of all 20 Premier League clubs shows that United have only changed their formation in-game once this season – the least of any top-flight club.
At the opposite end of the table is Nottingham Forest, who have tweaked their in-game formation 19 times so far this season.
United’s only formation change came under Amorim after Amad Diallo’s late winner against Manchester City.
The Portuguese head coach instructed his side to fall back into a 5-4-1 formation – a very similar setup but with both No.10s falling back to offer more defensive cover.
Other than that, Amorim has stuck loyally to the system that has brought him such huge success. In time, he believes that his ideas will click.
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