Establishing a Style, Reviving the Attack: Key Tasks for Amorim at Manchester United

Amorim Poised for His Manchester United Debut: Key Changes to Expect
In less than 12 hours, Amorim will make his managerial debut for Manchester United, and the new head coach is ready to roll up his sleeves. Under Erik ten Hag's leadership in the final months, United often appeared directionless. Now, Amorim must instill clarity and make bold decisions.



Establishing and Defining a Team Identity
Ten Hag ultimately lost his job due to poor results, but much of his tenure was marked by uncertainty about the team’s style of play. If United had been consistently winning, those concerns might have been overlooked, but that wasn’t the case.

For many fans, the most disappointing aspect of Ten Hag's time was the lack of a clear playing identity. This was frustrating given that Ajax's attractive playing style was one of the main reasons for his initial appointment.



In his first press conference, Ten Hag expressed his admiration for Ajax’s style but emphasized the need to tailor his approach to United's squad. The result was a somewhat disjointed system: he wanted his team to play out from the back and control possession while being devastating in transitions. They aimed for high pressing but also dropped deep to compensate for the lack of pace in the defense.

Despite some promising signs in his first season, largely thanks to Rashford’s outstanding form, the team’s defensive vulnerabilities became glaringly evident. Last season, only relegated Sheffield United (678) faced more shots than United (667) in the Premier League.



Injuries to key defenders exacerbated issues last season, but even in 2024–25, with a more stable defense, Ten Hag struggled to prioritize defensive solidity. Building a clear identity is no small feat, and it requires the manager to have absolute clarity in his vision while engaging fans to address lingering confusion from the previous regime.

Early indications under Amorim are positive. He has already acknowledged that United cannot defend like his Sporting CP team. However, fostering cohesion and understanding among players may be more crucial than focusing solely on attacking football.



Supporting Rasmus Højlund
There is a growing consensus that if any United player stands to benefit from Amorim’s arrival, it’s Rasmus Højlund. This stems in part from Amorim's success with players like Zirkzee, who became one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards under his guidance at Sporting.

While Højlund and Zirkzee are different players, there is a sense that Højlund has been somewhat misused at United. Despite his well-rounded skillset, the Danish international has often been deployed as a pure goal-scorer, which limits his strengths.

In certain matches, like the one against Brentford, Højlund thrived, but in others, such as against Leicester, he struggled to make an impact. His speed and ball-carrying ability are among his greatest assets, yet he has often been tasked with battling defenders aerially.



This mismanagement has affected both United’s attacking cohesion and Højlund’s effectiveness in the final third. Since the start of last season, Højlund averages only 1.5 shots per 90 minutes—lower than 151 other players, including defensive midfielders like Bentancur and Casemiro.

Amorim’s task will be to ensure United play to Højlund’s strengths. His Premier League shot conversion rate of 25.6% since last season ranks 11th, ahead of players like Haaland and Jota. With the right support, Højlund could thrive.



Maximizing Bruno Fernandes’ Influence
Amorim’s preference for a flexible 3-4-3 system has raised questions about Fernandes’ role, given the absence of a traditional No. 10 in this setup. At Sporting, Amorim employed two attacking midfielders in hybrid roles—one creative and the other offering pace.

Fernandes’ importance to United is undeniable. Since joining in 2020, he has created 469 chances in the Premier League, 78 more than any other player. He has also scored 36 non-penalty goals and provided 44 assists, the third-highest in the league during this time.

Regardless of tactical adjustments, maintaining Fernandes’ influence will be crucial, especially given United’s lack of other high-quality creators. His versatility and leadership make him indispensable.

The Future of Rashford and Garnacho
Should Amorim adopt a three-center-back formation, United’s traditional wingers may find their roles at risk. At Sporting, much of the width came from wing-backs, with forwards operating in half-spaces rather than hugging the touchline.

This system could limit opportunities for players like Rashford and Garnacho, who may struggle to adapt to such roles. Rashford’s inconsistency over the past 18 months raises questions about his ability to be deployed centrally, while Garnacho’s defensive work rate may not suit the wing-back role.

On the other hand, players like Amad Diallo, who are comfortable in tight spaces and excel at link-up play, may fit Amorim’s vision better.



Addressing the Left Wing-Back Dilemma
United's left flank has been a problem area due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Shaw’s return timeline remains uncertain, and Malacia is only just regaining fitness after a long absence. This leaves United with limited options.

Right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have often deputized on the left, but neither is a natural fit for the role. Alternatively, Amorim might turn to youth, such as 17-year-old Harry Amass, or experiment with converting a winger like Antony into a wing-back—a challenging but potentially rewarding gamble.



Conclusion
Amorim’s early weeks and months will reveal his vision for Manchester United. Fans can expect significant changes, both tactically and in personnel, as the Portuguese coach begins his tenure at Old Trafford.