Ruben Amorim’s tactical system is finally taking shape at Old Trafford and one area could play a key role for the Manchester United manager next season.
The 40-year-old Manchester United head coach found incredible success with his tactics and philosophy during his managerial reign at Portuguese outfit Sporting CP.
Ruben Amorim made a name for himself in his native homeland with his playing style and silverware haul with Sporting CP ahead of his arrival at Old Trafford.
The former Sporting boss replaced Erik ten Hag as United manager in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign and Amorim wasted no time making sweeping changes.
Amorim rolled out his tactical system for United and the Portuguese coach oversaw a mixed set of results for the Red Devils during the early part of his managerial reign.
United were heavily exposed in Amorim’s system against physical opposition in the Premier League, but the Red Devils did find better success in the Europa League.
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in Manchester in 2025.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim’s tactical system has now received a major boost ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season at Old Trafford
The Red Devils switched to a three-man backline under Ruben Amorim and the former Sporting CP boss axed the role of traditional full-backs and wingers.
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Amorim instead relied on two No 10s supporting the lone striker and the use of wing-backs down the flank, with United normally playing in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
The United manager received an early boost in his reign for one side of the flank after the Red Devils brought Patrick Dorgu to Old Trafford in the January window.
Patrick Dorgu can play on either flank as a wing-back, but Amorim has preferred the 20-year-old Danish defender on the left side and Diogo Dalot out on the right.
United’s left-hand side has weakened in recent seasons amid the injury woes of Luke Shaw, who can play in the three-man backline under Amorim, and Tyrell Malacia.
However, Amorim can now rely on Dorgu, who was signed from Serie A side Lecce in a deal worth £25m, as his first-choice left wing-back for the 2025-26 season.
The United head coach has further first-team squad depth in the role with Harry Amass emerging at Old Trafford and the arrival of Diego Leon this summer.
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Ruben Amorim building up the left wing-back role will only benefit former Wolves ace Matheus Cunha at Man Utd
Amorim’s ability to now call upon Patrick Dorgu, Harry Amass or Diego Leon for the left wing-back role shows the long-term project that the manager has in place.
Not only can the aforementioned trio improve under Amorim at Old Trafford, but they can also be moulded to play Amorim’s brand of football next season.
The improvement to the left wing-back flank will have a direct knock-on effect for Matheus Cunha, who arrived as a marquee signing for United from Wolves.
Matheus Cunha is widely tipped to play out in the left No 10 role in Amorim’s formation, having played in the position during his spell at former side Wolves.
Amorim is a big admirer of the 26-year-old Brazilian attacker, who was signed from Wolves for a £62.5m fee, and Cunha is expected to play a key role for United.
The United manager has pre-season in the United States and Europe looming ahead of him and Amorim could now put his left wing-backs to the test alongside Cunha.