{"id":1367480,"date":"2024-11-02T18:30:49","date_gmt":"2024-11-02T18:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1367480"},"modified":"2024-11-02T18:38:14","modified_gmt":"2024-11-02T18:38:14","slug":"the-reason-liverpool-rejected-ruben-amorim-could-help-these-man-united-players-shine","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/the-reason-liverpool-rejected-ruben-amorim-could-help-these-man-united-players-shine\/","title":{"rendered":"The reason Liverpool rejected Ruben Amorim could help these Man United players shine"},"content":{"rendered":"

During a time of remarkable dominance and glory, Manchester United<\/a> maintained such a high standard that even a one-game losing streak was seen as a crisis, according to influential captain Roy Keane.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013, the club has gone through five permanent head coaches, with Sporting Portugal head coach Ruben Amorim becoming the sixth following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.<\/p>\n

Amorim will officially begin his role as manager on November 11 and take charge of his first game against Ipswich Town after the upcoming international break. There is already excitement building, as the Portuguese tactician is expected to take a significantly different approach than Ten Hag and his predecessors.<\/p>\n

[dugoutvideo id=”eyJrZXkiOiIiLCJwIjoic3F1YXdrYSIsInBsIjoiZ2ZuSzJOU0sifQ==” partner=”squawka”]<\/span><\/p>\n

The most clear illustration will be how United lines up, as Amorim is dedicated to a specific formation. There’s no reason to think he will change it, which is reportedly why Liverpool chose not to hire him as Jurgen Klopp\u2019s successor this summer.<\/p>\n

“My suspicion is that one of the reasons Liverpool favoured [Arne] Slot over Amorim last summer is because the Dutchman prefers the more traditional four at the back, so the transition was easier for the squad he inherited,” Jamie Carragher said. ‘Under Jurgen Klopp, the style of the first team was mirrored down to academy level to ensure those who made the step up were familiar with the playing patterns.”<\/p>\n

Some still question whether he has the right personnel to execute this strategy effectively.<\/p>\n

From the beginning of his Sporting tenure, Amorim has primarily employed a 3-4-3 formation, though he’s fielded a two-striker formation on some rare occasions. This may represent the future direction for United, an uncharted move considering a back-three is rarely, if ever, utilised by those sitting in the Old Trafford home dugout. It’s also not commonly seen in the Premier League<\/a>, with a notable exception being Chelsea under Antonio Conte, which led to an impressive championship win in the 2016\/17 season.<\/p>\n

But that was seven years ago, and Conte employed a 3-4-2-1 formation, which slightly differs from Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 setup, even if they are seen as the same. Four teams that finished in the bottom seven last season adopted this strategy. Luton and Wolves played in a 3-4-2-1 formation, while Brentford and Sheffield United chose a 3-5-2 formation.<\/p>\n

The clubs’ identities, all struggling to secure wins, suggest that using a three-at-the-back formation reflects a reactive strategy. By employing this formation, they effectively defend with five players and aim to set up counterattacks. However, while Amorim has shown a back-three system can be proactive with his side often in the ascendancy, replicating that success at United poses a different challenge altogether.<\/p>\n

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Before R\u00faben Amorim became manger in March 2020, Sporting CP had
not won the Primeira Liga since 2001\/02.<\/p>\n

They've since won it twice, with Amorim becoming the youngest manager to ever do so.<\/p>\n

Here's how Manchester United could look under him. ?<\/p>\n

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 29, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n