Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United marks a transformative moment for the club. In his first week, he emphasized a demanding yet jovial environment, fostering strong connections with players and staff alike2. Amorim’s ethos centers on intensity, speed, and dynamic thinking, aiming to instill a fighting spirit within the squad23. He has set clear expectations, urging players to embody the identity of “the best club in the world” and demanding quick recovery after losing possession2. With a focus on tactical flexibility, Amorim is expected to implement a 3-4-2-1 formation, enhancing both defensive solidity and attacking prowess5.
Ruben Amorim has implemented several notable changes in Manchester United’s training sessions:
Formation Shift: Amorim advocates a 3-4-3 formation, utilizing players in unfamiliar roles, such as Antony at right wing-back and Luke Shaw as left center-back14.
Central Play Emphasis: He emphasizes keeping the ball in the middle of the pitch, contrasting with Erik ten Hag’s focus on wide play4.
Intense Tracking Back: Players are instructed to quickly recover their positions after losing possession, fostering a collective defensive effort124.
Dynamic Training Atmosphere: Amorim fosters a demanding yet positive environment, encouraging high intensity and dynamic thinking among players2.
Ruben Amorim’s style at Manchester United contrasts sharply with Erik ten Hag’s approach in several key areas:
Formation: Amorim favors a 3-4-3 formation, prioritizing a back three for defensive stability, while Ten Hag predominantly utilized a 4-2-3-1 setup123.
Tactical Identity: Amorim is known for a clear tactical identity characterized by aggressive pressing and possession-based play, addressing Ten Hag’s criticism for lacking a discernible style12.
Player Roles: Amorim’s system encourages wing-backs to be attacking threats, whereas Ten Hag’s full-backs often left the center-backs exposed due to their high positioning24.
Intensity and Recovery: Amorim emphasizes quick recovery after losing possession, contrasting with Ten Hag’s more chaotic pressing approach, which often lacked energy34.
These differences reflect Amorim’s intent to instill a more cohesive and aggressive playing style at United.
Ruben Amorim is actively addressing the injury challenges faced by key players like Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof at Manchester United. For Shaw, who has struggled with recurring injuries, Amorim is committed to careful management to help him regain peak form, fostering open communication about his fitness as he returns to training1. Amorim has also received detailed briefings on Shaw’s injury history to tailor his recovery plan effectively.
Regarding Lindelof, who recently sustained a hamstring injury while on international duty, Amorim will assess the situation closely, as the severity remains uncertain24. The coach is focused on ensuring all injured players receive appropriate support while navigating a demanding fixture schedule.
Ruben Amorim plans to integrate new signings into Manchester United’s squad through a structured approach:
Formation Adaptation: He intends to implement a 3-4-3 formation, which will require new players to adapt quickly to their roles, particularly in wing-back positions, emphasizing tactical flexibility.
Youth Promotion: Amorim has already promoted academy players like Goodwill Kukonki to first-team training, indicating a focus on integrating young talent alongside new signings.
Clear Communication: He aims to establish open communication with players about their roles and expectations, ensuring they understand the tactical demands of his system.
Gradual Integration: Given the congested fixture schedule, Amorim may initially utilize existing players in familiar formations before fully transitioning to his preferred setup, allowing new signings time to acclimate.
