Manchester United are going through another tricky period in the Premier League after a disappointing 2024/2025 campaign. Ruben Amorim's side spent plenty of money in the summer transfer window to help the Portuguese manager take them back in the right direction, but the 2025/2026 season hasn't started how they may have hoped.
The pressure is on Amorim to turn things around, and so far in his United tenure, he's refused to change his formation and has stuck with underperforming players. A change of system might be the only way Amorim can get out of this situation, so GIVEMESPORT have taken a look at an alternative way United can line up.
Take Your Pick Between The Sticks
altay bayindir
Altay Bayindir and Senne Lammens are now competing for the number one spot after Andre Onana left the club. The goalkeeper situation matters very little in terms of why United are underperforming at the moment, and it's also difficult to decide who is the better option considering they both have a lack of experience at this level. We're going for Bayindir after he started the derby against Manchester City.
Switching to a Back Four, Maguire Comes in
Harry Maguire in action for Manchester United
The biggest shift that could help transform United and potentially save Amorim's job would be switching to a back four. The back three system clearly isn't working, and it would allow United to get an extra body in the middle of the park. Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui can line up as full-backs, but still also provide width and get further forward like they would normally.
Harry Maguire needs to come back into the starting XI. United missed his experience in the derby against Man City, and his leadership skills could help them get out of this situation.
Defenders: Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Dorgu.
Midfield Three, Mainoo in, Ugarte Out for Man Utd
mainoo manchester united
Amorim needs to find a way to get Kobbie Mainoo back into the starting XI. He has composure and technical security in the middle of the park that no other midfielder has, and switching to a 4-3-3 formation could help get the best out of him. Alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, you have a mix of defensive protection in Casemiro, technical quality and ability to evade pressure in Mainoo, and a nice mix of both with Fernandes.
Manuel Ugarte has struggled in the middle, especially when United try and play through the thirds, so he needs to be replaced in the midfield.
Midfielders: Mainoo, Casemiro, Fernandes
Attacking Trio Stays the Same
benjamin sesko
The attacking trio should consisting of the three new signings,Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. Amad Diallo is unfortunate to miss out, but the versatility of Cunha and Mbeumo means he could easily slot in to one of the roles, even if it means someone else replaces Sesko through the middle of attack.
The issue hasn't really been the production of Sesko, Mbeumo, and Cunha, but the fact that United have struggled to play through the thirds and get the ball to them.
Forwards: Mbeumo, Sesko, Cunha.