Rúben Amorim is reportedly on the verge of becoming Manchester United’s next manager following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. According to the Manchester Evening News, Amorim has agreed in principle to take over at Old Trafford, with negotiations currently underway to finalize a compensation deal with his current club, Sporting CP. Ten Hag was removed from his position on Monday morning, less than a day after United suffered a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United.
Should Amorim be appointed, fans can expect notable tactical changes, particularly the introduction of his signature 3-4-3 formation. This system, which heavily relies on wing-backs, has been a cornerstone of Amorim’s success in Portugal. It offers defensive solidity by forming a back-five when needed and facilitates swift attacking transitions through wing-backs joining the offensive plays.
However, United’s current lack of depth in left-sided defensive options might pose a challenge, though this could be alleviated as injured players return to fitness.
In goal, Andre Onana is likely to remain the first-choice goalkeeper. Onana, who joined from Inter Milan in July 2023, has shown steady improvement in his performances, with his shot-stopping ability highlighted during a recent match against Fenerbahce, where he made a stunning double save. His skill with the ball at his feet, a key reason for his recruitment as David de Gea’s successor, will also be crucial in Amorim’s system.
Defensively, the 3-4-3 setup will require three central defenders. United bolstered their defensive lineup in the summer with the additions of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich and Leny Yoro from Lille. De Ligt has had an inconsistent start to his time at United, while Yoro, who is recovering from a metatarsal injury sustained during pre-season, is expected to debut later this year.
Once fit, Yoro is seen as a promising figure for the backline, partnering with experienced players such as Lisandro Martinez and De Ligt.
Bruno Fernandes is expected to retain his role as captain and remain a pivotal creative player under Amorim, despite his inconsistent performances this season. One of Amorim’s key tasks will be to restore Fernandes to his best form and ensure he thrives within the new tactical setup.
In attack, Amorim is likely to stick with the trio of Rasmus Højlund, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho, who started in Ten Hag’s final game. This combination provides pace, technical skill, and finishing ability, making it well-suited to Amorim’s dynamic system.
A potential starting XI under Amorim could include Onana in goal, Yoro, De Ligt, and Martinez in defense, Dalot and Mazraoui as wing-backs, Mainoo and Fernandes in midfield, with Rashford, Højlund, and Garnacho forming the attacking trio. If finalized, Amorim’s arrival signals a new chapter for Manchester United as they aim to revitalize their season.
