Ruben Amorim will arrive at Manchester United with fresh ideas and a unique style of play if he is appointed manager.
The 39-year-old Sporting Lisbon boss has emerged as the concrete favourite to become the next Manchester United manager after Erik ten Hag was sacked.
Ruben Amorim has verbally agreed to join United after Ineos identified him as their top-choice manager target.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken interim charge following Ten Hag’s dismissal, but reports from Portugal suggest Amorim is one step away from being appointed.
There were four similar managers identified as potential replacements for Ten Hag, but it seems Ineos are putting all of their effort into getting a deal for Amorim over the line.
Ruben Amorim tactics at Man United
One of the biggest criticisms of Ten Hag during his time at Old Trafford was that the Dutchman failed to implement a clear identity.
When it comes to replacing Ten Hag, it is crucial that Ineos source a manager that has a clear philosophy and style of play – they certainly have that in Amorim.
Firstly, United fans can expect a formation change. Under Ten Hag, United often lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape but Amorim has had huge success with a 3-4-2-1 system at Sporting.
Given United’s options at centre-back, including summer signings Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, a three-at-the-back system could suit the current squad well.
The width in Amorim’s system comes through wing-backs, who are often instructed to play high, allowing the two attacking players either side of the striker to come inside of opposing full-backs.
As summarised by Guillem Balague on BBC Sport, Amorim is an “enthusiast of spectacular, offensive football, with lots of goals, domination and control.
United struggled for goals under Ten Hag this season, but Amorim’s tactics almost guarantee chances with his Sporting side scoring 30 goals in nine games this season.
Amorim’s set-up thrives in three different ways. As reported by The Times, Sporting in 2023/24 ranked in the 95th percentile for chance creation, the 98th percentile for chance prevention and in the 98th percentile for press resistance when compared to Europe’s top seven leagues.
His three-at-the-back system provides an extra body when building up from the back, but also ensures that the defence is never left short.
It requires two energetic midfielders to link the defence and attack, but in Ugarte he has a midfielder he has worked with before and can trust.
Man United players that fit Ruben Amorim’s tactics
It may take some time for United’s squad to adjust to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, but the personnel available actually fit into his formation well.
Taking a look at how Man United could line up under Amorim, the squad already has three great centre-back options in the shape of De Ligt, Yoro and Lisandro Martinez – while Harry Maguire has also thrived in a back three throughout his career.
READ MORE: The Ineos figure who turned Ruben Amorim’s head and swung the deal in Manchester United’s favour
In Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes, Amorim has two former Sporting players who can provide a good balance going forward and defending, while Kobbie Mainoo could also thrive with better protection behind him.
Rasmus Hojlund could become world-class under Amorim if the Portuguese star can help him adapt to the role that Viktor Gyokeres played in his Sporting side.
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