Manchester United have appointment Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s replacement
Manchester United drew the curtains on Erik ten Hag’s time as their head coach after the team’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham on matchday nine of the Premier League. The Red Devils named Ruud van Nistelrooy as the interim coach but have taken massive strides in appointment a permanent successor. A deal for Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is closed out and it is only a matter of time before the announcement of his appointment is made.
It is still unclear as to whether or not the Portuguese will be at the helm for United’s clash with Chelsea at the weekend, especially keeping in mind that he is coming in from a foreign land and consequent to that, will need to complete a number of legal formalities. Nevertheless, the hiring of a tactically sound manager that was on Manchester City’s radar as well begins a new era at Old Trafford.
One of the earliest and most noteworthy changes that Amorim will bring about is the change in formation. The Red Devils primarily used a 4-2-3-1 under Ten Hag but are expected to deploy a 3-4-3 following their new manager’s arrival. Here is a look at how they can line up in the new setup and what implications it could have on the roles of some players.
Goalkeeper and defenders
Andre Onana will remain the undisputed goalkeeper. Admittedly, he did not start off his career with Manchester United in the best of forms last season but there is little to question about his contribution to the team this time around. Moreover, there is also a lack of depth in the goalkeeping position, so he will continue to keep his place in the team and get tasked with distributing the ball with short passing.
The three-man backline could see Matthijs de Ligt lead proceedings from the centre. He is strong aerially, physically and on the ball too. Harry Maguire is likely to be on the right side but might make way for Leny Yoro once he is fully fit. Lisandro Martinez will play to De Ligt’s left and as such, embrace his new role as it would reduce the number of aerial duels he fights and give him more time on the ball.
Midfielders and forwards
The two wing-backs, who essentially will play next to the midfielders on paper are likely to be Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot on the right and left, respectively. Mazraoui would excel in an offensive role once he is freed from his defensive shackles, while Dalot would also benefit from having played as the left back during Ten Hag’s last few weeks at the club.
The Portuguese is head and shoulders above Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia in terms of fitness, and there will be a big question mark if either of Manchester United’s specialised left backs are good enough to play as the wing backs. That said, Dalot’s right-footedness would allow him to be an inverted option too so as to cover for any gaps in midfield when in possession.
Manuel Ugarte will be handed a new lease of life by his former manager. The former Paris Saint-Germain star did not exactly thrive under Erik ten Hag but can really kick things off as a Red Devil hereon. His role will be more defence-oriented as his partner Bruno Fernandes will be given all the license to venture forward. When defending, it would be far from a surprise if United adopt a narrow shape with five players at the back, as Dalot and Mazraoui would play deeper to support the central defenders.
Kobbie Mainoo might also play next to Ugarte if a solid defensive base is what Amorim is after, with Bruno Fernandes consequently playing in an advanced role with a winger being sacrificed.
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Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are going to be the favourites to feature on the flanks. It remains to be seen which wing each player is deployed on as it would be subject to what Amorim exactly wants from them. Rasmus Hojlund will be the undisputed choice to lead the line.
