As Rúben Amorim takes the reins at Manchester United, the football world waits with bated breath to see if the young Portuguese coach can resurrect the sleeping giant. At just 39 years old, Amorim has already proven his mettle by leading Sporting CP to two league titles, but the challenges that await him at Old Trafford are on a whole new level.
Adapting Tactics to the Premier League
One of Amorim’s first hurdles will be implementing his preferred 3-4-3 formation with a squad built for variations of 4-3-3. While United boasts depth at center-back, finding the right personnel for the crucial wing-back roles may require some creative thinking. Players like Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw seem well-suited, but could young wingers such as Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo adapt to the defensive demands of these hybrid positions?
You have to start with a structure that you know.
– Rúben Amorim on his tactical approach
Unlocking Marcus Rashford’s Potential
Another key piece of the puzzle will be finding the right role for Marcus Rashford. The English star has made no secret of his preference for the left wing, but Amorim’s system may see him deployed as an inside forward behind the striker. While Rashford has the attacking chops for the job, questions remain about his willingness to press and track back—non-negotiables in Amorim’s high-intensity style.
Developing a Ruthless Finisher
Goal-scoring, or lack thereof, ultimately spelled the end for Amorim’s predecessor, Erik ten Hag. If the new boss is to avoid a similar fate, he’ll need to coax more out of his attacking options, particularly young striker Rasmus Højlund. Amorim’s track record of developing prolific forwards like Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting bodes well, but the Premier League is an unforgiving proving ground.
Restoring Old Trafford’s Fear Factor
Perhaps the most daunting task facing Amorim is turning Old Trafford back into the fortress it once was. United suffered six home league defeats last season and have already endured heavy losses to Liverpool and Tottenham this term. While expectations may be tempered, a string of positive results against the likes of Bodo/Glimt, Everton, and Newcastle could go a long way in shifting the momentum.
Implementing a Clear Identity
Finally, Amorim must give United the one thing they’ve sorely lacked in recent years: a clear identity. Ten Hag struggled to implement the high-octane football that made him a success at Ajax, leaving the Red Devils rudderless. If Amorim can quickly instill his principles of aggressive pressing and a high defensive line, even in the face of mixed results, he’ll buy himself valuable goodwill from a fanbase desperate for direction.
The road ahead is long and winding for Rúben Amorim, but if he can navigate these early challenges, he may just be the man to awaken the sleeping giant that is Manchester United. The football world watches with anticipation, eager to see if the young Portuguese coach can etch his name into the annals of Old Trafford legend.
