Man Utd’s biggest weakness under Ruben Amorim is about to become a big strength, it can transform the team

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Ruben Amorim has had to make the best of what he’s given at Manchester United so far, a consequence of coming mid-season to a struggling team.

It has resulted in Ruben Amorim’s promise of being able to see an identity come true, but with a lot of bumps in the road.

Those bumps have been generally forgivable because Man Utd fans know this team needs a lot of work, having some clear and identifiable weaknesses.

One of those weaknesses is about to turn into a big strength for the club which can, in turn, completely transform the way the team plays.

Ruben Amorim gets his biggest wish

Since arriving at Old Trafford with his three-at-the-back system, there has been an acceptance that this Man Utd squad isn’t completely suited to playing in that fashion.

Despite Amorim insisting that the roles of the players matter more than the formation, which has been true to an extent, the roles vastly differ too from a back-four system.

Nowhere has that difference been more stark and visible than at wing-back, where Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, two perfectly capable fullbacks, have been found wanting.

Malacia has been underwhelming and is widely expected to leave while Luke Shaw is a bonus squad member at this point.

The biggest weakness of this team has been ball progression from the left, having no natural left-footed wing-back in the squad, hindering the buildup and attacking thrust.

From having zero natural options, Amorim is about to have two, with Patrick Dorgu’s arrival and Luke Shaw’s return (for now!) from injury.

Just having a left-footed wing-back will transform Man Utd

It is worth reiterating that Dorgu, a 20-year-old player signed from relegation-threatened Lecce in Italy is unlikely to come in and set the world alight.

Expectations need to be managed for Dorgu but at the same time, the tactical truth is undeniable.

It is that United will be transformed just by having a forward-thinking left-footed player on left wing-back, no matter his quality.

Both Dalot and Mazraoui have struggled to overlap on the “wrong” foot while Malacia has lost the zip and bite that he had pre-injury.

It is why United’s buildup patterns often look so slow and laboured, needing the likes of Alejandro Garnacho or Amad to beat their man on the ball to break down a defence.

Dorgu’s mere arrival will add a much-needed dimension to United’s attack. Shaw’s return is a bonus at the perfect time.