Rio Ferdinand is convinced that one Manchester United player is now allowing the Red Devils to play “direct” in Ruben Amorim’s tactical system at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim has once again defended his approach at Manchester United after his tactics came under massive scrutiny early in the 2025-26 Premier League season.
The 40-year-old Manchester United manager implemented his blueprint at Sporting CP and enjoyed huge success with the club before his arrival at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have dropped their usage of traditional wingers as part of Amorim’s tactical system for United, with the club now taking advantage of wing-backs.
Amorim has also shifted United to using a three-man backline and the Red Devils have relied on the roles of two No 10s in support of the lone striker in the set-up.
Rio Ferdinand identifies what Senne Lammens is now offering Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd tactical system
Despite the criticism over his system, Ruben Amorim refused to pivot while under pressure and the momentum has now swung in the Manchester United boss’ favour.
“He’s been called stubborn a hell of a lot since he’s come in because he’s just stuck to his guns,” Rio Ferdinand said on his podcast.
“He’s stuck to what he was doing. But he has adapted.”
Senne Lammens was the fifth – and final – signing that the Red Devils made in the summer and he arrived at Old Trafford on deadline day in September.
The 23-year-old Belgian shot-stopper has since climbed ahead of Altay Bayindir in the pecking order and has impressed in his first three matches for United.
United legend Ferdinand now believes that Senne Lammens’ distribution ability with his kicking has added a whole new dynamic within Amorim’s tactical system.
“He’s adapted the way that he’s played,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“He’s got a goalkeeper now, Lammens, that looks super assured, who’s going long, playing the ball a lot longer than we’ve seen in the past with the other goalkeepers here. So, he’s playing direct.”
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Rio Ferdinand explains what Benjamin Sesko is adding to Man Utd amid Senne Lammens’ role under Ruben Amorim
The Red Devils have won their last three Premier League matches under Amorim and United’s last outing against Brighton at Old Trafford ended in a 4-2 scoreline.
Benjamin Sesko arrived in the summer as a new striking option for United and Ferdinand can see the Slovenian taking advantage of Senne Lammens’ forward balls.
“He obviously believes he’s got a front man now, Sesko, who can actually cause more havoc, can hold the ball up better, can flick on,” Ferdinand continued.
“And the two wider guys as well, if he plays the ball into them, they’re going to hold it more often than not as well.
“So, it seems like there’s a more secure feeling at the back, but at the top end of the pitch, when playing balls directly up there, there seems to be a more secure kind of feeling around the camp.”
United will now travel to City Ground for their Premier League clash and the Red Devils will face Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
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