Why Ruben Amorim is the ideal man for Manchester United

Ruben Amorim’s tactical vision and leadership could reignite Manchester United’s glory days amidst their struggles

At the time of writing, Manchester United finds itself languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table. Having amassed a paltry 26 points from 22 games, the club is closer to the relegation zone than the top of the table. This marks United's worst points tally since the early days of Sir Alex Ferguson in the late 1980s. Indeed, the current situation is arguably as bleak as it has ever been.

After United’s most recent defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, eyebrows were raised when manager Ruben Amorim called his side the “worst team, maybe, in the history of Manchester United.” Pundits were stunned by the bluntness of this assessment, with many questioning its potential impact on the dressing room. However, if you were to ask any Manchester United fan, they would likely agree: Amorim’s honesty is a breath of fresh air.

The club currently finds itself in yet another transitional phase, struggling with both its identity and form. The off-field drama since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 27.7% minority stake in the club last February has drawn much scrutiny. Amid the gloom, Amorim emerges as a beacon of hope. Known for his tactical ingenuity, no-nonsense management style, and ability to instil a winning mentality, he could well be the catalyst Manchester United needs to return to its glory days.

Tactical Mastery: The 3-4-3 Solution

Amorim's signature 3-4-3 system offers what Manchester United has sorely lacked in recent years: control and balance. This formation prioritises a solid defensive structure while allowing for fluid attacking transitions—something United demonstrated in their recent FA Cup win over Arsenal. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the team’s defensive discipline and counter-attacking efficiency were evident. Amorim’s ability to build defensive cohesion—highlighted by Harry Maguire thriving in a back three—offers United the tactical clarity they have long missed.

However, this system demands high levels of work-rate from players, which is why older squad members like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen struggled when deployed in midfield during December’s fixtures. In particular, defensive transitions require midfielders to win back the ball and disrupt counter-attacks. Amorim has been clear about his expectations: his players must "run like mad dogs."

The 3-4-3 formation, which can also be seen as a 3-4-2-1, also facilitates creativity and width, especially with the assistance of wing-backs. This addresses United’s long-standing reliance on isolated moments of brilliance from players like Bruno Fernandes. With wing-backs providing width, the two forwards can operate just behind the striker as two 'No. 10s' rather than traditional wingers. For this to work, Amorim will need to bring in players who fit his profile, particularly for the wing-back positions. Dynamic, high-energy players would be ideal, and United’s signing of Paraguayan 17-year-old Diego Leon hints at this direction.

Amorim's meticulous planning and consistent line-up selections could provide the structure needed to unlock United's attacking potential.

Relative Success in Big Games

Under Amorim, United has shown flashes of competitiveness in high-stakes matches. Last month’s dramatic late comeback against local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad was a reminder of the traditional United spirit. This was followed by a hard-fought 2-2 draw away at league-leaders Liverpool, and a successful FA Cup encounter against Arsenal, where United, despite being down to 10 men, triumphed in a penalty shootout.

While these are by no means dominant performances, they offer a glimmer of hope, particularly when compared to the lacklustre derby-day displays under Erik Ten Hag. Under the Dutchman, United suffered heavy defeats, including a 6-3 loss at City, a 3-1 loss at Arsenal, and a humiliating 7-0 defeat at the hands of a struggling Liverpool side.

The stark contrast between Amorim's fighting spirit in these derby games and Ten Hag's performances has undoubtedly sparked optimism among the fanbase. However, the real challenge for Amorim lies in maintaining this momentum and converting it into consistent attacking output, especially against lower-ranked teams. United’s recent record against sides who sit in a low block has been disappointing.

The latest defeat to Brighton at home suggests that, for now, United may face more struggles in the short term.

A No-Nonsense Approach to Player Management

One of Amorim’s key attributes is his no-nonsense approach to player management. His decision to bench key players like Marcus Rashford underscores his commitment to accountability and discipline. While these tough calls may ruffle some feathers, they send a clear message: the collective is more important than individual egos.

Amorim's demands from his players are clear. In his pre- and post-match press conferences, he frequently emphasises the need for his players to perform at the highest level. This was most evident after he dropped both Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho for the Manchester derby, stating, “When people in our club are losing their jobs, we have to put the standards really high.”

This uncompromising leadership style has already endeared Amorim to the Manchester United faithful. Fans have long yearned for a manager who will demand more from players who have, at times, appeared to shirk their responsibilities on the pitch. Rashford, often at the centre of controversy under both Ole and Ten Hag for his off-pitch lifestyle, was almost considered undroppable by both managers. Amorim, however, has raised the standards and dropped Rashford entirely, reportedly due to poor training performances.

This new leadership style is fostering a culture of professionalism and humility, exemplified by United's last two performances against Liverpool and Arsenal, where players appeared fully committed, "running like mad dogs" to stop fast breaks. As Amorim has said, “Your time will come, but only if you’re ready to work every day.” This mindset could revitalise a squad that has often struggled with focus and resilience under pressure.

Understanding and Embracing United’s Values

Beyond tactics and player management, Amorim’s understanding of the traditions of the clubs he manages sets him apart. His interviews reveal a deep respect for the importance of club culture and history. At Manchester United, this translates into a commitment to attacking football, developing young talent, and maintaining a winning mentality.

Amorim's emphasis on youth development aligns perfectly with United’s rich tradition of nurturing academy players, making him a natural fit for the role. The increased involvement of Toby Collyer and the growing importance of Kobbie Mainoo highlight Amorim's commitment to giving youth players opportunities. One of United’s summer signings, Manuel Ugarte, developed under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon. Other reserve players with immense potential, such as Chido Obi Marin, Sekou Kone, and Elyh Harrison, are eagerly waiting for their chance in the first team. Fans are excited to see how Amorim will integrate these players into his matchday squad in the coming months.

As Sir Alex Ferguson famously said, “If they’re good enough, they’re old enough.” United's history has been built on the success of youth, from the ‘Busby Babes’ to the legendary ‘Class of ‘92.’ Amorim must learn from the past to build his legacy at United.

Learning from Past Failures

United’s managerial appointments since Ferguson—from Mourinho’s defensive pragmatism to Solskjær’s lack of tactical depth and Ten Hag’s inconsistent strategies—have exposed the need for a more balanced approach. Amorim offers the modern tactical understanding that Mourinho lacked, the structural coherence that Solskjær failed to provide, and the adaptability that Ten Hag struggled to implement.

His fresh perspective and proven track record make him uniquely suited to address the gaps left by his predecessors. Amorim has long been vocal about his desire for more coaching sessions, something which has been difficult with United’s packed fixture schedule. Since joining the club during the festive period, he has had limited time on the training pitch but has emphasised the importance of learning “on the job.”

Conclusion

Ruben Amorim embodies the qualities Manchester United needs to reclaim its place among Europe’s elite. His tactical vision, big-game experience, disciplined approach, and respect for the club's values align perfectly with United’s ethos. As the club continues its search for stability and success, Amorim stands out as the ideal candidate to lead the Red Devils into a new era of dominance. For Manchester United, he could be the right man at the right time.