Author: Jaxon Allen
Ruben Amorim has been officially named as the new Manchester United manager, becoming the 6th Manchester United since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Being the youngest manager in Manchester United history at 39 years old, it is expected that the former Sporting Lisbon boss will look to overhaul both the system and squad, to return Manchester United to its former glories.
Key characteristics of Amorim’s system:
At Sporting, Amorim established himself as one of Europe’s elite young managers through an aggressive pressing style (second highest tackles won in opposition 3rd in the league). Notably, Amorim lives and dies by his 3-4-3 formation, being one of the very few top coaches left who continues to play this system. Though often perceived as a defensive shape, Amorim’s 3-4-3 is far from that, scoring 10 more goals than any other team in Portugal through his first 11 league games of the 2024/2025 season. Advanced metrics like expected goals also back this up, with Sporting as the best defense at 6.4 xGa (expected goals against) and the best attack at 29 xG (expected goals).
What Amorim will look to improve on the current United team:
To put it simply, United this season and last have been an absolute disaster, conceding far too many goals, having no identifiable style of play, having a poor pressing structure, and being too reliant on individual moments, among many other issues. Many of these could be considered tactical problems, which would be true, though this United team still isn’t good enough just on paper. After Amorim’s first match against Ipswich, the former Portuguese international identified two key aspects he believes the team needs to improve on, physical intensity and tempo control. Both issues have been prevalent all season but were particularly damning in United’s matches against Bodo Glimt, Arsenal, and Ipswich. United were bullied far too easily against Arsenal despite glimpses of promise in open play in the first half. Conceding two corners ultimately resulting in Amorim’s first loss as Manchester United boss. Bodo Glimt and Ipswich showed how susceptible United was to the counter, often getting beaten too easily in the midfield and defense due to a lack of pace from Casemiro, Evans, Eriksen, De Ligt, and Martinez. United also lost control quickly against Ipswich and Arsenal despite good starts, with Bruno losing the ball over 13 times (match-high) against Arsenal in a deeper midfield position. It would be in the best interest of Dan Ashworth (director of football) and Christopher Vivell (head of recruitment) to focus on improving the squad’s physical floor and tempo control over the next two transfer windows. Due to PSA restrictions and the lack of Champions League football in 25/26 looking like a likely possibility, United needs to avoid dumping their budget into one or two players, while looking to improve the age profile of the squad overall.
Identifying the squad:
The picture above is what Amorim may believe is his best XI as of now. Of course, it is hard to speculate exactly what this may be, especially when the XI has been rotated significantly in all 4 matches up to this point. Amorim has stated he “more or less” knows his best team when fit, and up to this point these 11 players have caught the eye more than others. Of course, there are still anomalies here, with only 4 games and injury/suspension issues, this could be different than how Amorim lines up come the end of the season. As several of these players have not played in a back 3 for a sustained period, Amorim could look to bring in players who are tailor-made to play his system. Injuries and lack of experience in wide players, a lack of physical presence in both defense and midfield, as well as the midfield crying out for a creative threat should be the main targets in January and the summer window.
Identifying a center back:
United’s backline is possibly the most urgent problem in the squad. Despite decent defensive performances against Everton and Arsenal (from open play), there are still clear problems. Martinez lacks the speed and height to press and defend in wide areas, though he should still be an integral piece of the team as his 5.78 progressive passes per 90 (91st percentile in Europe) and 0.91 progressive carries per 90(0.77 percentile in Europe) are both crucial for an Amorim system and controlling the tempo. In this area, United should look for somebody who is:
● A progressive option in possession
● Able to raise the physical floor
● Is experienced playing in a back 3
● Affordable
● Can be a key player for the next 7+ years
Yann Aurel Bisseck:
Inter center-back Yann Aurel Bisseck is a 24-year-old German center back, who stands at a monstrous 6 '5 and has begun to assert himself on the Nerrazzurri’s starting XI. What makes Bisseck so special is, like Leny Yoro, his long legs, making him a daunting challenge for any tricky winger. Bisseck excels in wide spaces due to his speed and 1v1 ability, being dribbled by a shocking 0 times so far this season. Bisseck has the 10th lowest number of aerial duels lost in Seria A this season while being in the 99th percentile for progressive carries per 90 in Europe (2.2). Bisseck would likely be available for around £40,000,000, as Inter is infamously cash-strapped, and would likely be open to selling Bisseck due to the plethora of talent they have in his position. Bisseck’s size, age, ability on the ball, price, and 2 seasons in Inzaghi’s possession-heavy back three, would make him the ideal option to play in Amorim’s backline.
Identifying a left-wing back:
There has been no shortage of links in this position for Manchester United, with it being the most obvious hole in the squad. United chose not to sign a left-back in the summer, leaving Dalot to play outside of his natural position for another season. With the shift to a back 3, this “wing back” role could be filled by several different types of players. Last season, Amorim’s main left wing-back, Nuno Santos, traditionally a left winger, was integral in moving the team up the pitch through his dual carry and passing threat, ranking in the 91st percentile for both progressive carries and progressive passes per90 in Europe. Garnacho is a possible candidate for this role, though his lack of experience at wingback and defensive understanding would be a concern. For this role, United should look for someone with:
● Speed and carrying ability
● Attacking threat
● Affordable Price
Alphonso Davies:
Although a difficult target to obtain, United should do everything they can to sign the 24-year-old Canadian National team captain. With his contract expiring in the summer, and no new deal in sight as of now, Davies is the ideal profile for that left wing back role. Davies is notoriously a lightning-quick player, and his ability to play as both a wingback for Canada and an out-and-out left winger in his Vancouver Whitecaps days shows how good his attacking output could become if given the platform to bomb forward on the left flank under Amorim. Davies is two-footed, providing a real 1v1 threat due to his ability to score (i.e. UCL semi-final last season) or put in a good cross on either foot. Davies is also an excellent carrier, with a staggering 4.78 carries per 90 (97th percentile in Europe). At 24, Davies could be a mainstay for the next decade, and due to his contract expiring, provides a chance to sign one of Europe’s best on a free.
Identifying a Midfielder:
Since Scholes left and Carrick began declining, United have spent ridiculous money trying to find a resolution. 12 years later, the midfield is still a massive issue. The emergence of England international, Kobbie Mainoo, has soothed some of that pain, but finding his long-term partner remains a priority. United have spent big money on Ugarte in the summer just past, though there will still be a massive vacancy of minutes due to Eriksen and Casemiro’s expected departure. Though United have signed Mali u17 bronze medalist Sekou Kone, it would be a big ask to expect him to fill the void of two international stars in Casemiro and Eriksen. As previously mentioned, United severely lacks physicality in this area, with that being the most important trait needed in the United midfield. On top of physicality, United should look for someone who can:
● Break up play
● Cover and possibly replace Ugarte long-term
● Add speed, size, and youth
● Be acquired for a reasonable price
● Be comfortable and composed in possession
Ederson:
The Atalanta midfielder has caught the eye this season, in Atalanta’s unlikely title charge. The 26-year-old has had a staggering last 12 months. Since signing for Atalanta, Ederson has gone on to establish himself as one of Seria A’s best midfielders, while also winning the Europa League. He put up a historic performance in the final, becoming the first and only team to beat Bayern Leverkusen in 23/24, winning 8 duals (a match-high), along with 2 dribbles. Ederson provides elite-level physicality, matched with an instinct to break up play. Ederson is an all-action midfielder, allowing Kobbie Mainoo to dictate play with less defensive and physical responsibility. The Brazilian would also be coming into a very similar style at United, with Amorim hailing Atalanta boss Gasperini as one of his main influences tactically. Ederson would likely cost around £45,000,000, which is reasonable for such a high-quality midfielder, who can do it all, and progress play at a decent level (6.46 progressive passes per90).
Identifying a right wing-back:
Though Amad Diallo has impressed out wide, his best position could very well be in the front 3. With that being said, United should look for someone similar to Amad Diallo, someone who can press high, be a creative spark, have youth on their side, and provide an injection of pace. Diallo does have his weaknesses, especially at wing-back, with the Ivorian standing at just 5’4 and having no real experience in defensive positions, that having been exposed at times by Leif Davis at Ipswich. At right wing-back, United should look for:
● Explosive pace
● Excellent carrying ability
● Young
● Reasonably priced
● Experience in the wing-back position
Geovany Quenda:
Despite the signing former players approach being a massive failure for former boss, Erik Ten Hag, Geovany Quenda is the type of player that could take United to the next level. At just 17, Quenda has been one of Amorim’s brightest sparks this season, leading the team to a perfect 11 wins out of 11 in the Portuguese league. Quenda is already a Portuguese international and picked up a brilliant assist vs Manchester City last month. Quenda has the physical ability to press and bomb down the right side all game while being quite 2 footed like Davies. Quenda is in the 76th percentile for xA per90 (expected assists), while also being in the 96th percentile for successful dribbles (1.53 per90). The 17-year-old may cost a pretty penny, but at roughly £50,000,000, is still a fair price in a spot of need.
Identifying a Striker:
Despite spending over £100,000,000 on strikers in the last two seasons, neither Hojlund nor Zirkzee look like they can lead the line for Manchester United. The striker market is full of good options, which should make it less difficult for United to sign their striker for the future. Viktor Gyökeres has been Amorim’s crown jewel over the last season and a half, providing the perfect blueprint for what a United striker can achieve when Amorim’s system begins to be properly integrated. In this position, United should look for someone who:
● Is physically strong and quick
● Can score goals
● Runs the channels well
● Is affordable
● Fits the age profile
Victor Osimhen:
Typically, a world-class striker like Osimhen would be unattainable for United, but after internal problems at Napoli, the striker could be purchased at a cut-price deal. The Nigerian has lit up France, Italy, and now Turkey, proving why he is undeniably a world-class striker. If United can get him on reasonable wages, they should pull the trigger and sign the 25-year-old. With his price last summer being at a measly £60,000,000, and that likely due to drop Napoli needing to sell, this is again the sort of deal the Manchester United recruitment team should be looking at. Osimhen is 6’1, aerially dominant, and a proven goal scorer. He finished as the 5th highest scorer in Europe’s top 5 leagues in 2022/23 despite injuries, and is excellent in behind, like Viktor Gyökeres.
Conclusion:
There have been positive signs in Amorim’s first few weeks in charge, now it is up to the recruitment to properly back him and sign players who fit his system. United is in desperate need of physical quality, with this being one of Amorim’s main concerns according to his press conferences. With these 5 signings, United is prioritizing Amorim’s style of play, physical presence, and youth, all things that United has desperately lacked over the last several years.