Manchester United fans enjoyed what we hope will be a preview of Ruben Amorim’s spell at Old Trafford, as Sporting demolished Manchester City.
Ruben Amorim condemned Manchester City to a third defeat in a row as Sporting beat them 4-1 in the Champions League.
The incoming Manchester United head coach oversaw a masterclass, led by in-form striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres scored a hat-trick, impressing watching United fans. But he was far from the only takeaway from Sporting’s strong all-round performance.
Amorim’s wing-backs star
A lot of the intrigue around Ruben Amorim’s arrival is his commitment to playing a set tactical style, preferring a 3-4-3 formation.
United have dallied with three at the back in the past, and Amorim has shown his tactics can carve open the best team in England, when executed according to plan.
Even though we do know United have the personnel to play three at the back, United’s options for the wide spots are less clear. A full-back could play there, or United could experiment with a winger at the position.
One of the standout players on the pitch was left wing-back Maximiliano Araujo, who scored the second goal for Sporting just after half-time.
Araujo was a bargain signing from Mexican side Toluca in the summer, with the 24-year-old winger costing just £6 million.
He has fitted in perfectly into Amorim’s system, and demonstrated against City how effective a player can be in the role going forward.
Araujo supported Pedro Goncalves well on the left side, and cut inside superbly for his goal, offering a threat through the centre of the pitch.
He worked tirelessly defensively, blocking two shots, four recoveries and one interception, also winning two tackles.
This is the kind of effort Ruben Amorim expects from his wing-backs, whether it be a defender or a winger playing the role, he expects them to contribute hugely at both ends of the pitch.
Left wing-back is hardest spot to fill
Left wing-back is the position that will give Ruben Amorim the biggest headache at Manchester United when he starts.
Even if they are fit, Luke Shaw or Tyrell Malacia cannot be relied on to stay healthy. And these positions demand so much. Shaw would be better suited as a centre-back in Amorim’s system.
On the other hand, Alejandro Garnacho may lack the defensive discipline to perform the role.
On a temporary basis we are likely to see Noussair Mazraoui on one side and Diogo Dalot on the other.
Ruben Amorim will hope for some funds in the transfer market to add to his squad, amid claims United could re-sign Alvaro Fernandez to play at the position.
Araujo’s success showed it is not about a big name, it is about a fit, finding a player who can and will buy in.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
