Ruben Amorim is using the pre-season to instill his ideas and solve tactical dilemmas at Manchester United, and he might just have solved a big one against Everton.
The 2-2 draw against Everton prevented Man Utd from making it three wins from three on the USA tour, but the overall picture is encouraging.
The performance in all three games was significantly better than the opposition’s, who were all Premier League teams.
Against Everton, Ruben Amorim also managed to solve a tactical dilemma which, by his own admission, was hard for him last season.
Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United enter the pitch for the second half during the Premier League Summer Series match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 03, 2025
Photo by Kevin C. Cox – Premier League/Getty Images
Ruben Amorim’s Harry Maguire-Matthijs de Ligt dilemma
It is ironic that Man Utd need to strengthen up front, in midfield, and at the goalkeeper position, but a big tactical dilemma for him was in defence.
The likes of Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, and Luke Shaw are the wide centre-back options, but there was a straight fight between Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt for the spot in the middle.
Amorim wants this team to press high, play in the opposition’s half, and dominate one-on-one duels when defensive lines are broken.
Consequently, he accepted last season that playing both Maguire and De Ligt in his backline compromises those principles.
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Neither player is at his best when running towards his own goal, and a high line exposes their lack of pace, especially against teams who sit back and play on the counter.
He needed defenders who played on the front foot in the wider areas, so starting both Maguire and De Ligt was a non-starter, since one would naturally be pushed out wide and out of his comfort zone.
Against Everton, and considering how Amorim’s selection has developed in these four pre-season games so far, the decision has been made.
Amorim has chosen De Ligt over Maguire
De Ligt played 88 minutes against Everton, the biggest indicator that he will be tasked with marshalling the defence from the central centre-back spot going forward.
It is not an indictment of Maguire’s ability, who has been good in pre-season, but his injury issues leave him behind De Ligt right now.
Furthermore, Maguire is in a contract year, and at 32, he is unlikely to get another contract at Old Trafford with wages anywhere near what he’s on right now.
In an ideal world, United would thank Maguire for his services next summer, when he will have turned 33, and offer him vastly reduced wages on a one-year extension or let him go.
De Ligt, in contrast, can develop into a future leader, especially now that the tough adaptation period of his first year in the Premier League is behind him.
As it stands, De Ligt has been chosen over Maguire to solve a dilemma where both couldn’t play at the same time.
It could be the start of a long-term decision, too. It should be, all things considered.