After managing his first two games—a gritty 3-2 Europa League victory against Bodo/Glimt and a draw against Ipswich—Ruben Amorim’s tactical blueprint is taking shape. However, early signs suggest that his system might pose challenges for some players, notably Bruno Fernandes.
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1: A Double-Edged Sword
Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system emphasizes high-intensity pressing, positional discipline, and fluid attacking transitions. The formation places significant demands on the central midfield duo, requiring them to balance defensive solidity with creative playmaking.
In Thursday’s Europa League match, Amorim fielded Bruno Fernandes alongside Manuel Ugarte in midfield, with Mason Mount in a more advanced role. While Fernandes’ technical abilities allowed him to dictate play at times, his defensive shortcomings and positional tendencies were exposed, particularly during Bodo/Glimt’s opening goal.
Hargreaves’ Concerns: A Risk Against Elite Teams
Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves praised Amorim’s intent but expressed reservations about the system’s viability against Premier League powerhouses like Arsenal or Manchester City.
“Playing two in midfield requires super-athletes who can cover ground,” Hargreaves told TNT Sports. “I’m not sure United have that right now. It’s going to be really, really difficult.”
Hargreaves suggested adjustments might be necessary, such as dropping one of the attacking midfielders deeper or pushing the wing-backs higher to provide width. He also highlighted Kobbie Mainoo, a young prospect, as a potential solution for Amorim’s midfield conundrum.
Bruno Fernandes: A Square Peg in a Round Hole?
Under previous managers, Bruno Fernandes excelled as a free-roaming attacking midfielder, thriving on the freedom to create and take risks. Amorim’s system, however, demands positional discipline and defensive responsibility, traits that are not Fernandes’ strongest attributes.
Amorim defended his decision to play Fernandes deeper, explaining:
“He’s the most experienced player. He’s the right player to dictate the tempo. Mason Mount was always with his back to goal, which is difficult, and Bruno is better with the goal in front of him.”
While Fernandes’ experience and playmaking abilities make him a logical choice to dictate tempo, the question remains whether his defensive limitations can be masked in a two-man midfield.
Ugarte and Hojlund Shine, but Work Remains
Manuel Ugarte provided glimpses of what Amorim envisions for his midfield—a tenacious, ball-winning presence capable of covering ground. Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund’s brace against Bodo/Glimt showcased his potential as a central striker under Amorim’s guidance.
Amorim’s track record with developing young players, like Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting, suggests that he can help talents like Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo thrive. However, the current squad’s limitations, including injuries to Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw, mean there’s much work to do.
A Tough Road Ahead
United’s upcoming fixtures, including matches against Everton and Arsenal, will test Amorim’s system against varying levels of opposition. Hargreaves summed up the situation:
“It’s a work in progress. They didn’t play brilliantly, but they found a way to win. Against the top teams, though, this setup could be risky.”
Amorim faces a balancing act: maintaining his tactical philosophy while finding the right personnel and adjustments to make it work. The decision to persist with Fernandes in a deeper role or revert to his attacking strengths could define both the player’s season and Amorim’s early tenure at Old Trafford.
Conclusion: Evolution or Growing Pains?
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 has the potential to modernize Manchester United’s style of play, but early signs indicate that it requires fine-tuning. Whether Bruno Fernandes can adapt to his new role or if Amorim opts for alternative solutions will be pivotal as the season progresses.
For now, patience is key as Amorim implements his philosophy at Old Trafford. Fans will hope that tactical evolution, rather than growing pains, defines this new era for Manchester United.
