Just three games into his tenure as Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim is already making a strong impression with his tactical ingenuity and flexibility. His ability to adapt his strategies and lineups to match specific opponents is earning praise and yielding positive results.
With two wins and a draw to his name, Amorim’s start has been promising. Had those results been less favorable—such as three losses with inconsistent striker choices—his approach might have been scrutinized. Instead, he is proving to be a meticulous planner who carefully tailors his tactics to suit each game.
This tactical awareness was particularly evident in United’s commanding 4-0 victory over Everton. Amorim made the bold decision to start Joshua Zirkzee ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, a choice that paid dividends.
Zirkzee delivered a standout performance, scoring twice—his first goals since August—while Hojlund was rested after a grueling midweek game against Bodo/Glimt, where he had played the full 90 minutes, scoring two goals and assisting another.
During the post-match press conference, Amorim explained the rationale behind his selection. He pointed out the physicality of Everton’s central defenders, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, as a factor in his decision.
Amorim believed that Hojlund would have been drawn into a physically demanding battle, which might have neutralized his impact. Zirkzee, on the other hand, was seen as better suited to exploit Everton’s defense with his off-the-ball movement and ability to drop deeper, creating space for his teammates.
“My goal is to set my players up in roles where they can excel,” Amorim said. “It would have been a difficult day for Rasmus against Everton’s center-backs. Josh disrupted their defensive shape with his movement, and it worked perfectly.”
Amorim also praised Zirkzee’s overall contribution. “Scoring twice is fantastic for his confidence, but his work rate and involvement in every aspect of the game were just as important. It was a great performance for him and the entire team.”
As United gears up for a midweek clash with Arsenal, Amorim faces another tactical decision. Should he deploy Hojlund to take on Arsenal’s Gabriel in a physical contest, or rely on Zirkzee’s dynamism to stretch the defense? Alternatively, Marcus Rashford could be an option, especially after excelling in a deeper role against Everton. However, Amorim has expressed caution about using Rashford as a central striker due to his lack of physicality and hold-up play.
Amorim’s willingness to adjust his lineup based on the unique challenges of each match has been a key strength early in his tenure. As he continues to refine his squad, his methodical approach is setting a positive tone for Manchester United’s campaign.
