Ruben Amorim’s tactical setup has become a hot topic again following the demoralising defeat to Everton in the Premier League.
Boos rang around Old Trafford at full-time after Manchester United lost 1-0 to Everton. After building up an unbeaten run of five matches, it felt like several steps backwards.
Ruben Amorim accepted fault for the performance, and concerns are understandably being raised about why United stuck with a three-at-the-back system when chasing an equaliser against 10 men.
United legend Gary Neville questioned Amorim’s system after urging Luke Shaw throughout the match to push further forward.
What do you think Amad’s best position is for Manchester United?
United fans chanted to attack as a desperate plea to make something happen, but the Red Devils were toothless and uninspiring until the final kick of the match.
Man United have the most attacking wing-backs in the Premier League
Since his appointment a year ago, Amorim has stubbornly stuck to his 3-4-2-1 system that brought him so much success at Sporting Lisbon.
Ineos have backed Amorim and brought in players that facilitate his style of play, but United’s wing-backs are becoming a problem.
According to Opta Analyst, United’s wing-backs/full-backs are actually the most advanced out of any Premier League pairing.
Are you confident Ruben Amorim is the right head coach for Man Utd?
The average touch position of United’s wing-backs are in the opposition half. Even compared to other sides who play a three-at-the-back system, United’s wing-backs play the highest up the pitch.
It proves that within his system, Amorim is instructing his wing-backs to get forward and provide a threat. The issue is, he doesn’t have the right personnel to produce results.
Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot are out of their depth
While Amorim uses wing-backs within his system, the Portuguese head coach has often preferred to play wingers in that position.
It explains why Amad Diallo is a ‘perfect’ wing-back for Amorim and his demands. With one goal and three assists this season, at least Amad’s output has been respectable.
The real issue is on United’s left, where both Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu have failed to provide a threatening outlet.
Neville was puzzled by Dalot’s positioning against Everton, with the Portugal international often finding himself on the left wing.
Patrick Dorgu has also shown that he needs to improve his attacking output. At just 21 years old, he still has plenty of time to evolve, but Amorim needs more from his wing-back signing.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
