Adaptability will be key in the Ruben Amorim era at Premier League giants Manchester United.
Those who can adapt to a new system, an all-new tactical approach, will survive. Perhaps, even thrive. But those who can’t, well the writing may be on the wall already.
As Manchester United’s new regime began with an underwhelming 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon, Ruben Amorim wasted little time in showcasing the ruthless streak and the decisiveness that has been missing from the Red Devils dugout for far too long.
There were only 56 minutes on the clock when Amorim hauled off Casemiro and Jonny Evans. Christian Eriksen would depart proceedings shortly afterwards, too, the former Sporting boss having seen enough as United’s three 30-somethings struggled to cope with Ipswich’s speed and intensity.
Eyebrows were raised, too, when Marcus Rashford’s number appeared on the substitute’s board. The goalscorer exiting stage left with Man United pushing for a winner.
In contrast to the studious, almost headmasterly vibe of Erik ten Hag on the United touchline, meanwhile, Ruben Amorim was abuzz with energy and ideas. While the timing of his substitutions proved that Amorim is not a man afraid of making bold decisions – reacting quickly and brutally when he felt changes were required – former Man United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, from his vantage point near the dugout, saw first-hand just how demanding the 39-year-old can be.
Ruben Amorim tears up Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United blueprint
“He was pretty frustrated, I’m not going to lie,” Hargreaves told TNT Sports. “He was right in front of me and he was really, really frustrated with a lot of things. I think initially Dalot’s positioning, I think he was a little bit frustrated with that in the first half.
“I think the midfield balance he didn’t really like. And when [Joshua] Zirkzee came on, I don’t think he was overly happy with his positioning and [Rasmus] Hojlund as well. So there’s a lot of stuff that needs a little bit of work.
“Before the game, we saw all those smiles and all that charm from Ruben Amorim but during the game he was really frustrated. I think he realised this is going to be a lot harder than he envisioned.”
On this evidence, it is difficult to imagine Evans, Casemiro and Eriksen playing a particularly central role. Especially when Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount are all back to full fitness.
And while the aforementioned Diogo Dalot may have been one of the first names on Ten Hag’s team sheet, the Portugal international is one of many who suddenly finds himself fighting for his future due to as Amorim tears up the blueprint and looks to impart an all-new approach.
Dalot, speaking to the United Review in October, highlighted the demands expected of him under Ten Hag. Specifically, the requirement to shift from full-back into midfield, in a flawed attempt to give United a numerical superiority in the centre of the park.
“As you know, and everybody who likes football knows, the game in midfield is a lot quicker than when you’re in the wide areas of the pitch,” Dalot said. “You always have someone close, you always have someone pressing you, so that makes me think a little bit faster.
“And it’s something that I’ve been enjoying doing.”
Diogo Dalot’s role has completely changed at Man United
Under Amorim, however, Dalot’s role could hardly be more different. The man himself, speaking after that Portman Road trip, indicated that the £19 million signing from FC Porto may be the player who’s instructions change the most in the post-Ten Hag era.
“Dalot used to pass the ball to centre backs and go inside and play as a midfielder,” Amorim explained. “Now, he has to stick to this position.”
Amorim’s wing-back system means the task falls upon the wide players – Dalot and Amad Diallo against Ipswich – sticking close to the touchline while opening up space for the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford in the middle.
With Amorim planning to bring in at least one wing-back to Man United – he reportedly wants a new left-sider while Sporting wonderkid Geovany Quenda continues to be linked – how Dalot adapts is likely to be the deciding factor in whether he can make a successful transition from one era to the next.
And, if his substitutions against Ipswich prove anything, it’s that Ruben Amorim will not wait around for anyone.
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