Ruben Amorim has finally had time on the training ground to drill his ideas into his Manchester United squad for 2025/26.
Last season, Manchester United’s squad struggled to adapt to Ruben Amorim’s change of system and recorded a worst-ever Premier League finish.
However, Amorim stuck to his tactics, believing that the work done last season would pay off heading into the 2025/26 campaign.
To help get his ideas across, Amorim has used unique training drills to get his 3-4-2-1 formation across to his players.
Head Coach Ruben Amorim, Assistant Head Coach Carlos Fernandes of Manchester United in action during a first team training session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Harry Maguire explains Ruben Amorim’s tactical instructions
Amorim was chosen to succeed Erik ten Hag back in November because Ineos believed the Portuguese head coach would bring an exciting style of play to Old Trafford.
Over the summer, United have shown glimpses of brilliance as players grow more familiar with Amorim’s demands.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand, Harry Maguire explained exactly what Amorim has asked him to do in 2025/26.
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“Obviously, we play a back three and I’ve been playing a lot in the middle, even though I played a lot on the left for England,” Maguire explained.
“He wants us to be really aggressive, really front foot. I think last season, we didn’t swing across enough, quick enough.
“That’s probably to do with our fitness, our running power wasn’t good enough in the Premier League.
“So I think this season you’ll see a lot more swinging across, playing not just with a back five or back four, but with a back three along the back line.
“That enables us to jump and get high pressure on the ball. He wants us to build up, but take no risks.”
Ruben Amorim under a microscope in 2025/26
After a disastrous first few months as head coach, Amorim has the toughest start to the Premier League of any top-flight manager.
United kickstart their campaign against Arsenal, and also face Manchester City and Chelsea in the first five fixtures.
While Amorim is expected to finish in the top six this season, the biggest expectation is for performances to improve.
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Fans want to see a clear identity and style of play this season, especially with Ineos choosing to back Amorim with over £200 million on new signings this summer.
Last season, Amorim struggled against Premier League sides, but United look much more athletic and physically capable of competing in 2025/26. It’s now time to prove it, starting against Arsenal.