What Amorim, United Need: Players Overhaul or Tactics Change?

Rúben Amorim’s reputation as one of football’s brightest young tactical minds came from his revolutionary 3-4-3 system, which powered Sporting CP to domestic dominance. This high-intensity, progressive formation demands players with exceptional tactical awareness, technical skill, and athleticism. Now at Manchester United, Amorim faces a daunting challenge: adapting this bold philosophy to a squad built for very different systems.

This piece is set to critically examine Amorim’s tactical approach, evaluate whether the current United squad can execute it successfully, and explore whether a shift in tactics or a squad overhaul is necessary to return the Red Devils to the top of English and European football.

How Does Amorim’s 3-4-3 Work?

The 3-4-3 is a modern system designed for dominance in both defense and attack. Here’s a breakdown of its key principles:

The three center-backs provide defensive coverage, allowing wing-backs to push high and wide in attack. Two central midfielders are responsible for controlling transitions, winning back possession, and linking the backline to the attackers. Furthermore, inverted wingers create attacking overloads in central areas, while the wing-backs provide width. This keeps defenses guessing and maximizes space exploitation.

The front three lead a coordinated press to disrupt opposition build-up play, ensuring the team dominates possession and dictates the tempo. While managing Sporting CP, Amorim succeeded because he had players perfectly suited for these roles. The question now is whether Manchester United’s current squad possesses the attributes to replicate this success.

Key Challenges Amorim Faces with United’s Current Squad

United’s current backline lacks the depth and skill required for a 3-4-3. While Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt are elite defenders, both have struggled with maintaining consistency and match fitness. Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire, the likely candidates for the third center-back position, lack the mobility and ball-playing ability required for this system. However, Maguire has shown flashes of improvement this season. The reliance on players prone to mistakes and inconsistency leaves the defense vulnerable, especially against teams with quick attackers.

The midfield pivot is the backbone of a 3-4-3, yet United’s options are limited. Casemiro is aging and struggles with the mobility needed for high pressing. Christian Eriksen, while creative, offers little defensive coverage. Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo have shown reasons to be capable of Amorim’s philosophy but the overall poor performance of the team has limited their ability. Without a midfield duo capable of transitioning between defense and attack seamlessly, United risks being overrun in games.

Furthermore, the 3-4-3 depends heavily on wing-backs who can attack and defend with equal effectiveness. Luke Shaw, while dependable, is not naturally suited to the relentless demands of a wing-back role. On the right, Diogo Dalot does not offer the required balance showing inconsistency. The lack of natural wing-backs limits United’s ability to stretch play and dominate wide areas, a fundamental aspect of the 3-4-3.

Marcus Rashford thrives in central spaces but struggles with the high defensive work rate required for Amorim’s pressing system. Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo have potential but lack the consistency needed at the highest level. Additionally, the central striker role is another issue. Rasmus Højlund, while talented, is still developing and has struggled to finish chances consistently.

What Are the Alternatives?

Several options lie for both Amorim and United, in general, to succeed in the future. Hence, a critical examination of these alternatives will be provided below.

Amorim could remain committed to his philosophy, but this would require significant investment in key positions: United could target dynamic wing-backs like Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen) or Nuno Mendez (Paris Saint-Germain), who excel in both attack and defense.

Additionally, signing someone like Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP) could provide the technical quality United lacks, and heavy investment in the defensive midfield position who can adapt to the 3-4-3 formation is a veritable way for Amorim to succeed in United. Finally, reliable goal-scorers like Victor Osimhen (Napoli/Galatasaray) or Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP) would add the finishing touch United desperately needs. Not to forget, this strategy would take time, require significant financial backing, and demand patience from fans.

Although the 3-4-3 proves unworkable with the current squad, Amorim could revert to a more traditional formation like the 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, while maintaining the quick transition that comes with the 3-4-3 formation. The 4-4-2 system would add defensive stability and suit players like Casemiro and Eriksen, while Joshua Zirkzee and Højlund could play as a front two. However, it will limit Bruno’s attacking creativity. 4-2-3-1: A familiar setup for United, this system could maximize Bruno Fernandes’ creativity as a No. 10, with Rashford and Garnacho wide. It sacrifices Amorim’s preferred fluidity but aligns better with the squad’s current strengths.

If Amorim and United’s hierarchy are committed to long-term success with the 3-4-3, a total squad overhaul may be necessary. Here’s what a revamped United squad could look like: Sign a ball-playing center-back and a reliable backup for Martínez. Invest in wing-backs who can contribute in both attack and defense. Replace aging players like Casemiro and Eriksen with younger, more dynamic options. Target players who can press aggressively and pass efficiently. Retain Rashford and Garnacho but bring in a proven striker and a right winger to complement the front line.

READ ALSO

Rúben Amorim: Five areas Man United’s new coach must fix to succeed

Who is to Blame for United’s Struggles: Players, Coach or Executives?

Nico, Kvaratskhelia: Wingers United can Sign to Succeed Exiting Rashford

Final Decision: Adapt or Rebuild?

Rúben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation has the potential to transform Manchester United into a tactically modern, dynamic team, that could challenge for silver wares in both domestic and European competitions. However, the current squad cannot execute his vision effectively.

To make quick positive solution to the current challenges in the team, Amorim should consider a hybrid approach, adapting his tactics to the strengths of his players while gradually transitioning to his preferred style. However, on a longer and more futuristic approach, a strategic overhaul in the 2025 summer and winter transfer windows is essential if United are to fully embrace the 3-4-3. This includes prioritizing signings in defense, midfield, and attack.

While Amorim’s philosophy is exciting, his rigid adherence to the 3-4-3 without suitable players could lead to further struggles. The onus is on United’s board to back him in the transfer market or risk yet another managerial tenure ending prematurely. If the club invests wisely and gives Amorim time, the 3-4-3 could revolutionize Manchester United. Without such backing, however, it risks being an experiment that fails under the weight of expectation.