Ruben Amorim has fans once again pondering whether he is the man to turn Manchester United around after a woeful display against Everton.
Manchester United were on a five-game unbeaten streak before welcoming Everton to Old Trafford, but it was a hopeless display against the Toffees, and Ruben Amorim finds himself back 10 steps.
United were beaten by a 10-man Everton side in a manner that raised lots of questions around Amorim’s system and, in particular, the attacking quality.
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Ruben Amorim passionately shouting in Manchester United jacket
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Amorim has been criticised after the game for failing to have a plan B when chasing the game.
But he’s remained steadfast to his 3-4-3 system.
Ruben Amorim in Manchester United attire during loss to Everton.
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What Ruben Amorim has said about his system at Manchester United
Speaking with DAZN Portugal, Amorim explained that his system is not stuck on a 3-4-3 shape.
“We can say it’s a ‘4-4-2’, but five minutes later it’s a ‘4-3-3’ or a ‘3-4-3’. I’m open to everything.
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“People think I’m fixated on one idea, but I simply start from a base.”
Ruben Amorim is right about his system being adaptable
Amorim has a point when he says he isn’t fixated on just using a 3-4-3 shape.
This season in particular, there have been adaptations within the game, most notably a 4-4-2 at times when pressing and sometimes a 4-3-3 in possession.
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The system changes throughout the games, and for this, the head coach deserves some praise because it is something he wasn’t doing last season.
Amorim has evolved tactically in his 12 months, but while there is more fluidity, he is missing the point with the issue about his system.
The one issue with Manchester United’s adapting system under Amorim
Amorim is going nowhere from United anytime soon. This was made clear as Sir Jim Ratcliffe threw his full support behind Amorim in October.
However, without improvement, this promise could be rethought.
Amorim can have different shapes all that he wants, but when the personnel selected don’t work in their positions taken up in the 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 rotations.
Specifically, United having either Diogo Dalot or Patrick Dorgu at left wing in a 4-3-3 is something that doesn’t make sense when an actual winger would be so much better.
If Amorim wants to use this shape, he should start a winger in this position instead, like with Amad on the right.
Additionally, having Matthijs de Ligt push into midfield doesn’t work either, as it would be more beneficial to have an actual midfielder like Kobbie Mainoo in that position on the pitch.
If the shape isn’t important, then Amorim needs to realise personnel is and think about who is going to be in different areas of the pitch.