That’s a familiar story to Manchester United. The people of Old Trafford have been stuck on their own Groundhog Day for the past 12 years, with the latest guest star being Reuben Amorim. Whether Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskul, Eric Ten Hag, or now Amorim, I could not crack the code for success.
It can be easily argued that Amorim is the most disappointing thing. He may have been exempted for a poor start after the confusion left by 10 hugs. Since then, he has been more than support, and as with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s patience, his excuses have run out.
Reports have been revealed that Amorim will only have three games to save his job at Old Trafford following a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City last weekend. Unfortunately, Ineos is the decision not to underestimate him, and the manager still has time if he implements these five final changes to save his job.
5
Amorim must start Coby Mine
Under Ten Hag, Mainoo was the best player in the final final against Man United’s Man City. Under Amorim, he can’t even start. Based on these two facts alone, the natural assumption is that even the talented players of Mainoo cannot get into the side, as Amorim oversees such impressive extraordinary changes. But that’s not true.
This is Man United’s side, which finished 15th last season. It’s not finished that low in the club’s Premier League history. And yet, there is no place for players who appeared to be Old Trafford’s brightest spark, years ago. And that has to change.
PL Statistics 24/25 | Mine | Ugarte |
|---|---|---|
start | 19 | twenty two |
Progressive Pass | 65 | 61 |
Progressive Carry | twenty two | 16 |
Key Pass | 14 | 10 |
The start of Manuel Ugarte’s current campaign and the form he has shown since arriving last summer should open the door to help England International acquire his place and calm the storm in the middle of the Amorim side. It should be the manager’s first calling port.
4
Use Harry Maguire’s Leadership
That may sound ridiculous, but on this side there is a place for Harry Maguire. Renee Yolo is a player he is well likely to be on display, but he has not escaped the fact that he began a single victory over the current Premier League opponents in his first 13 months with the club. Whether it’s a young man or someone else, something has to change at United’s backline.
That’s when you need to reintroduce Maguire. If anyone knows how to bounce off on their current team, it’s the England defender. Amorim must model and model an experienced centre-back lead on the side of the ubiquitous leadership where Old Trafford people can see. Again, it is worth pointing out that it wasn’t the defensive performance of others that kept Maguire out of the side.
The towering defender could also offer a considerable threat from a set piece on another route towards a much-needed goal on the Amorim side.
3
Move Fernandez to Advanced Roles
One of United’s biggest problems with Man City was obviously what everyone would see. Something like Brian Mbeumo often worked to create opportunities before opportunities, but unlike in the past, Amorim’s system asked Patrick Dorgu to be the main creator, not Bruno Fernandez. Instead, the Portuguese playmaker was once again removed from aggressive behavior in deeper, wasted roles.
Something like Liverpool has thrived in the past when they ask their fullback to create. However, Amorim’s system is not the tactic that won the title of Jurgen Klopp, and Dorgu is not the Trent Alexander-Arnold. The former Lecce defender supported just two goals last season and found space against the city, but recorded only one successful dribble and four accurate crosses.
The idea that Man United would be better off playing a deeper role with Fernandez is odd. Amorim is free to use one of the best creators in the Premier League and must return to his No. 10 role alongside Mbeumo. That partnership alone will provide a huge attack spark for everyone involved.
2
Throw the system
Amorim has asserted that it is not a system, and perhaps in his first six months of responsibility. It’s understandable that he didn’t have the right player and that players already there need to adjust. That adjustment period is now well and really over. The truth that former sports club bosses must face is that his 3-4-2-1 system will be the death of his man’s united career.
With just 36.17% win, the worst victory by Man United Manager since World War II, at least there needs to be an attempt to change. Ange Postecoglou died last season on the hill of his system and continues to have the problem elsewhere, Amorim is next. The big question he has to face is what next?
The solution doesn’t have to be completely new. Amorim was even able to maintain three backs by implementing a 3-5-2. This not only adds important numbers to what appears to be a tired mid-season period, but also means Benjamin Sesco is a much-needed partner.
1
Sesko and Mbeumo Partners
Sesko is still adapting to life in the Premier League, and it would be tough to judge a 22 year old based on his current circumstances. With Fernandez sitting deep and doubts still rising about Amado’s ability in No. 10, Mbeumo is the only quality point of the forward against Man City, which shows. Slovak International got hooked after 19 touches on the 80-minute mark as they didn’t have one touch in the area.
However, there will be plenty of time for United to see his best form, and changes to the system will go a long way in helping him in that regard. By switching to 5-3-2, Amorim can create an impressive partnership between Sesco and Mbeumo.
If there are players who know how to play in two striker partnerships, it’s the former Brentford star. He played the creator of Ivan Tony and for years he served as a major talisman alongside Yoan Wissa of West London. Now he can give the same bounty to cause an attack on United’s life and save Amorim’s work.
