Areas Ruben Amorim Must Improve at Manchester United

As Ruben Amorim continues his journey to try and mould his Manchester United team into a team in his image, it’s becoming clear to those watching that many of the players at the club are not going to be able to move forward as first-team regulars with the new boss. The Portuguese coach aims to turn Manchester United into a team such as the one he had at Sporting, where every player knew the role that was expected of him and was comfortable in functioning in that role. At United, too many players appear to be struggling to adapt or just aren’t good enough to adapt to what Amorim wants them to do moving forward.

Amorim’s Tactics

Amorim was recruited by Manchester United off the back of consistent success at his earlier clubs, where he played almost exclusively with a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation. The fact that he wants to try and implement that style of football at United still seems to be a surprise to onlookers who mention that he should change his philosophy and alter the shape of the team.

Suggesting this to a proven coach who has built his career on setting his sides up in this way seems odd, considering that is what the hierarchy at Manchester United has brought him in for. For too long, Manchester United have had no set identity or style of play, but now they have a coach who can bring both those things to the club moving forward.

That’s not to say there have not been issues for the manager in trying to implement his style of play on his team and the Premier League in general. 12 wins from his first 32 games in charge highlight this, but the team are still in the hunt for a Champions League spot through winning the Europa League.

If he can win that trophy, the 40-year-old will have had a successful first season. Qualifying for the Champions League through winning the Europa League would allow the club to target a higher calibre of players as they look to improve Amorim’s squad for his second season in charge.

Where the Team has Struggled

It’s clear from looking at the team as they struggle in the Premier League that there is a lack of mobility in key positions. In midfield, which is such a crucial area, especially in Amorim’s system, there appears to be a lack of players who can get up and down the field competently.

Casemiro’s age appears to be finally catching up with him, so it is unrealistic to expect the former Real Madrid star to run United’s midfield consistently. The Brazilian has impressed when United have set up cautiously against the top teams in the Premier League, but long-term, that is not how Amorim will want to set up his United side.

Kobbie Mainoo, who excelled last season, has struggled to adapt under his new coach. Manuel Ugarte, who played for Amorim at Sporting, has been inconsistent in his first season in England. Fans will hope that next season the Uruguayan comes to the fore and stamps his authority on United’s engine room.

In defence, Amorim will aim to have central defenders who can effectively defend higher up the pitch while also being comfortable with bringing the ball out from the back. He has players like Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw, who should fit this style well.

However, what they currently lack is a commanding centre-back to play in the centre of a three-man defence. This player needs to be capable of orchestrating that area and possess the pace to maintain a high defensive line.

Presently, Harry Maguire seems to be the man for that position, but moving forward, the England international lacks the speed and mobility to lead United back to where they need to be.

Up front, the club needs improvement. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are just not good enough to be the main striker for a club of United’s size.

Although there are issues all over the pitch for the team, a clinical striker would be a welcome addition to Amorim’s starting 11. His former No. 9 at Sporting, Viktor Gyokeres, would seem to be a perfect fit for what the manager is trying to do.

87 goals in just 95 appearances for Sporting backs that up, and if United could qualify for the Champions League, recruiting the Swedish international might become easier for the club.

In Conclusion

It is going to be a big recruitment summer for Manchester United, whether they manage to qualify for the Champions League or not. To improve under the current manager, at least 4-5 quality additions are needed to help try and bring the club back to where it needs to be. A proven goal scorer, another attacking midfielder, a new goalkeeper and a dominant centre half are what’s most required for the manager to put in the building blocks for the future.

Whether he gets what he needs is another question.

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