With Ruben Amorim’s appointment as head coach at Manchester United, we examine what he will bring to Old Trafford.
Under Amorim’s leadership, Man Utd is poised to undergo a noticeable transformation. Previously, the team lacked a distinct identity and struggled to establish a consistent style of play under Erik ten Hag.
Now, Amorim is set to lead a strategic overhaul.
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Tactical Shift: A Back Three Formation Incoming of 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1
Amorim, 39, is likely to introduce a back-three system at United, moving from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-2-1 formation. His setup relies on a well-coordinated press supported by a high defensive line to limit opponents’ space.
Throughout his tenure at Sporting Lisbon, Amorim consistently used a three-man defense, showcasing his commitment to this approach. Since the 2022/23 season, his preferred formation has been a 3-4-3, centered around a dynamic forward line capable of fluid interchanges.
Replicating Amorim’s previous setup is a real possibility—one that could especially benefit Marcus Rashford—but it raises questions about Bruno Fernandes’ role.
In such a system, United’s playmaker might shift into central midfield, similar to how Pedro Goncalves has occasionally played for Sporting. However, Amorim is more likely to start at Old Trafford with a 3-4-2-1. In this formation, Fernandes could occupy one of the advanced midfield positions, moving inside to allow the right wing-back to provide width.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Amad Diallo is reimagined as a right wing-back, especially with Fernandes positioned inside of him. Amorim recently demonstrated his adaptability by converting 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda into a wing-back earlier this season.
Who Could Manchester United Line Up With?
South American Stars Set to Thrive in Ruben Amorim’s System
Three players who could greatly benefit from Ruben Amorim’s arrival are Lisandro Martinez, Manuel Ugarte, and Alejandro Garnacho.
Argentine defender Martinez, a natural left-footer, is ideally suited to the left side of a back three—a formation Erik ten Hag was reluctant to use at United. Amorim’s build-up strategy emphasizes ball-playing central defenders who can drive passes into midfield, a skill Martinez excels at.
Martinez leads the team with 467 successful passes this season and tops United’s charts in progressive ball carries, making him a prime fit for Amorim’s approach.
Amorim will rely on Lisandro Martinez to initiate attacks from deep, progressing the ball forward with precision.
Meanwhile, Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who is still adjusting to the Premier League’s intensity, is likely to develop quickly under Amorim—a coach who previously unlocked his potential in Lisbon. Ugarte’s defensive role in Amorim’s pivot will be vital, as will his familiarity with the coach’s off-the-ball demands. This setup will require Ugarte to take on increased responsibility on matchdays.
Before his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022/23, Ugarte’s 121 tackles ranked second in the Primeira Liga, and he frequently recovered possession in the final third (23 times) to support Amorim’s pressing style. His passing accuracy, an impressive 91.6%, was also the best in the league, making him a natural fit for Amorim’s system.
At just 20 years old, Garnacho is another player poised to excel under a coach known for his faith in young talent.
While he lacked a guaranteed spot under Ten Hag, Garnacho’s agile movement and technical skills should position him as a key component of United’s front three in a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 formation.
With Amorim’s strong track record of developing young players, Garnacho is likely looking forward to collaborating with him.
Concerns for Wing-Backs Under Amorim
Amorim intends for his wing-backs to offer width in advanced areas, making them a crucial part of his attacking strategy.
While Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, and Luke Shaw can perform these roles, they are primarily natural full-backs rather than traditional wing-backs. This season, Dalot and Mazraoui have created a total of 12 chances—nine from Dalot and three from Mazraoui—along with one assist each.
In contrast, Sporting’s wing-backs achieved three goals and two assists in just nine league matches. Looking ahead, Amorim may seek to recruit more dynamic and adventurous players for those wide positions.
Strengthening Manchester United’s Defensive Resilience
Amorim’s Sporting has shown impressive defensive capabilities, conceding only twice in nine league matches in the 2024/25 season and just once in three UEFA Champions League games.
Known for his analytical and pragmatic approach, Amorim organizes his teams to be tough to break down. His 3-4-2-1 formation transitions to a 5-2-3 when out of possession, making it challenging for opponents to generate scoring opportunities. In their three Champions League matches, Sporting faced only 32 shots, fewer than both high-flying Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Taking over a Manchester United team that allowed three goals at home to both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim will prioritize improving this aspect of their game. Since the beginning of the 2023/24 season, his Sporting side has boasted a better PPDA (passes per defensive action) in European competitions than United, highlighting their effectiveness in disrupting opponents’ play. Additionally, Amorim’s teams have demonstrated greater patience in possession, employing a distinctive style characterized by neat, short-passing football.
We witnessed the effectiveness of Amorim’s tactics during the two-legged UEFA Europa League clash against Arsenal in March 2023, where his Sporting side eliminated the Gunners on penalties.
Throughout that matchup, Amorim’s strategic adjustments consistently drew Arsenal out of position, disrupting their rhythm. In the first leg, Sporting intentionally stretched the game to exploit Jorginho’s limited mobility. In the return leg at the Emirates Stadium, his team focused on maintaining possession for extended periods, which frustrated Arsenal.
Overall, Sporting generated 3.47 Expected Goals (xG) in a tie that concluded with a 3-3 aggregate score.
Can Amorim Unlock the Full Potential of Manchester United’s Players?
It’s clear why Manchester United has chosen Amorim, who is recognized as an exceptional communicator, effective man-manager, and skilled tactician.
While the shape of his team typically remains consistent, he is a keen student of the game, always ready to adapt his strategy based on the opponent. Amorim’s teams are known for being both positive and proactive, making them difficult to play against.
His coaching has significantly developed former Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres over the past 14 months, which bodes well for Rasmus Hojlund, a player with similar attributes, as he looks forward to this transition.
The challenge that lies ahead for Amorim is substantial, but his successful track record of revitalizing Sporting demonstrates that he is equipped to lead Manchester United back to prominence.
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What tactical changes will Ruben Amorim bring to Manchester United?
Amorim is expected to shift United’s formation from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-2-1, utilizing a well-organized press and a high defensive line to enhance their attacking play.
How will Marcus Rashford fit into Amorim’s system?
Rashford could thrive in Amorim’s formation, but questions arise about Bruno Fernandes’ position, as he may transition to central midfield while Rashford plays a key role in the attack.
Which players are likely to benefit most from Amorim’s coaching style?
Players like Lisandro Martinez, Manuel Ugarte, and Alejandro Garnacho are expected to flourish under Amorim, given his reputation for developing young talent and his tactical acumen.
What is Amorim’s track record with defensive organization?
Amorim has a strong defensive record, having conceded only a few goals with Sporting Lisbon, demonstrating his ability to make teams difficult to break down while maintaining possession effectively.
