Ruben Amorim has finally shown some tactical flexibility at Manchester United, and the latest player linked with joining the club would complete the new system.
After over a year of persisting with his 3-4-2-1 system, Ruben Amorim made a change in Manchester United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, with a clear back four at various points of the match.
This led to goals and excellent attacking football from United, with a front four for most of the 90 minutes.
Man Utd’s starting XI had an interesting shape vs Bournemouth
Whose position stands out to you the most?
The less said about what this meant defensively, the better, but it was a clear evolution of Amorim’s system, which got fans off their feet. Amorim was even hailed as playing the United way, with Amad used as a flying winger.
But the current squad has a distinct lack of wide threat on the left, which now sees United linked with signing a very talented left-winger.
Manchester United joining the race to sign Said El Mala
If Amorim is committing to playing a back four more often, he will likely need a left winger to balance out the team, with neither Matheus Cunha nor Mason Mount natural out there.
JJ Gabriel is a future star for United, but for the time being, the club need reinforcement with BILD now reporting that the Red Devils have entered the race for Said El Mala of FC Koln.
According to the outlet, United and Tottenham have both made contact for El Mala, with the current demands thought to be around £35m, although it could rise even higher.
Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are also in the market for El Mala, with Brighton being rejected in their efforts last season.
With six goals in 13 games this season, the 19-year-old, compared with Kingsley Coman and Lukas Podolski, is sure to be in demand.
Where El Mala fits into Manchester United’s team
Signing El Mala only really makes sense if Amorim is planning on using wingers in his team regularly, and the timing of the interest suggests that will be the case.
Would Said El Mala be a good signing for United?🇩🇪
OR do we need other positions more urgently?
El Mala would probably start on the left in a 4-3-3, although chances are he would instead be used as depth in the more likely event that Amorim continues with the 3-4-2-1 as plan A, using his 4-3-3 as plan B.
United’s attack would be a lot more balanced with this, and it wouldn’t see the midfield over-congested, and width on either side.
We don’t see this move being a priority for United in January, but next summer. Although by then El Mala could be worth a lot more than £35m to Koln.
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