Ruben Amorim’s highly divisive tactical system would have been the ideal “fit” for three players at one of Manchester United’s Premier League rivals, according to Paul Merson.
The 40-year-old Manchester United manager has found his tactics and philosophy once again being placed under the spotlight during his Old Trafford reign so far.
Ruben Amorim imprinted his tactical system on United from the moment that the Portuguese coach walked through the doors at the Red Devils last November.
The former Sporting CP head coach found major success with his tactics in his native homeland, with Amorim lifting two Primeira Liga titles as a manager in Portugal.
United have shifted to a three-man backline under Amorim’s managerial reign and the Red Devils have adopted the use of wing-backs and two No 10s in attack.
Paul Merson singles out three Premier League players at Chelsea who are suited for Ruben Amorim’s style at Man Utd
Ruben Amorim has been placed under intense scrutiny for his tactical system after Manchester United’s shaky start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Paul Merson claimed that Premier League side Chelsea would have been the “perfect fit” for a manager like Amorim and his style of play.
The Arsenal legend believes that Chelsea star Moises Caicedo is the type of holding midfielder that would function well with the two-man pivot in Amorim’s system.
Merson also singled out Chelsea right-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto and claimed that the duo are “world-class” players for their position on the pitch.
“Ruben Amorim, the way he wants to play, is a worry,” he said.
“He won’t change. He’ll look at it and say, ‘I’ve got where I am today by playing the way I play,’ using three at the back and high wing-backs.
“He would have been a perfect fit for Chelsea. They’ve got world-class wing-backs in Reece James and Malo Gusto; they’ve got the best holding midfield player in the league in Moises Caicedo. It would fit the players.”
Paul Merson tells Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim what is going wrong with his tactical system
The Red Devils suffered their latest setback under Amorim at the weekend, with United losing 3-0 to Manchester City in the first match in the post-September break.
Manchester City hosted United at the Etihad and Pep Guardiola watched his men outnumber the Red Devils’ midfield pivot in the Manchester derby encounter.
Merson has insisted that United’s wing-backs are still lacking the important quality needed and the midfield can’t keep up with the tempo expected under Amorim.
“You look at Man United and this system does not suit the squad they’ve got at all,” he continued.
“The two wing-backs are nowhere near it, nowhere near good enough. And they are a big part of this formation working. No legs in midfield.
“Everything is up against him.”
United will now face Premier League rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday, with kick-off for the match slated for 5:30pm UK time.
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