Key tactical changes Ruben Amorim will be bringing to United

Ruben Amorim's appointment as manager of Manchester United is a daring move that demonstrates the team's will to reinvent itself around a more modern and tactically intelligent philosophy that gives intensity and elegance top priority.

This paper explores Amorim's innovative concepts and his creative, component-based coaching style, which he developed at Sporting CP and is well-known for its energising, high-intensity approach that has distinguished Portuguese football in Europe.

It also examines how Amorim's approach might drastically change Manchester United's mentality and tactical identity.

Dynamic pressing technique and aggressive attacks

The appointment of Ruben Amorim as manager of Manchester United marks an important shift towards a strategy marked by high-intensity pressuring games and tactical sophistication, which he deftly polished during his time at Sporting CP.

Under Amorim's direction, Sporting CP displayed remarkable offensive power in the 2023/24 season, netting an outstanding 96 goals. This success positioned them in close proximity to some of the most productive Premier League sides, like Arsenal and Manchester City, who scored 96 and 91 goals, respectively. With their dismal total of 57 goals last season, United notably struggled to match this exceptional attacking efficiency, which demonstrates a tactical approach carefully crafted to retain structural discipline and organisation while generating forward momentum. Amorim's aggressive attacking approach, which stresses the clever use of space and quick transitions, could revive United's offensive potential. This approach will give United the key advantage required to enhance their Premier League competitiveness.

Possession and passing: A New characterisation of United's midfield dynamics

Amorim's approach at Sporting CP distinguished itself by offering a harmonic mix of high possession rates, averaging 59.1%, and a remarkable pass completion percentage of 86.3%. Together, this potent team established relentless pressure in the most advanced areas of the pitch. 

This approach helped Sporting to keep ball possession while effectively bursting through the opponent's defensive lines. Manchester United's possession rate of 50.4% and pass accuracy of 82.7% clearly show their struggles in midfield against strong Premier League opponents. Usually this reflect an apparent lack of control and cohesiveness.

Adopting Amorim's system, which encourages a slow but precise buildup that facilitates quick ball movement and minimises mistakes, might fundamentally transform United's midfield dynamics.

United could attempt to establish an increasingly strong presence in possession by using a strategic approach that gives shorter passes within a well-organised pressing system top priority.

This would help them to close the space between themselves and Premier League champions such as Manchester City, with their outstanding 65.4% possession rate and 90.5% pass accuracy. 

Defensive discipline: reaching the ideal mix of intensity and control

One of the most crucial elements Amorim could provide Manchester United is a well-rounded defensive intensity—a trait Sporting's disciplined approach clearly exhibited. With just 763 infractions throughout the season—a notable drop from United's 811—Sporting's discipline was extraordinary. This was despite their forceful, urgent approach. 

This figure points to a strategy that minimises unnecessary set-piece opportunities and intelligibly balances demand for pressure. 

By adding Amorim's defensive framework to their pressing techniques, United would be able to improve their tactical integrity while still skilfully guiding the opposition to particular areas of the pitch. This would provide structured pressing traps. 

His mastery of the management of a coherent defensive unit might raise United's players' spatial awareness, therefore facilitating smooth transitions from defence to offence and effective intercepting of passing channels.

Amorim's tactical defence plan: Correcting weaknesses

Under the guidance of Amorim, Sporting CP consistently stood out in the domain of defensive statistics by limiting their opponent to a mere 7.9 shots per game. Compared to Manchester City, who dominated the Premier League with an average of 7.7 shots faced each game, this incredible feat positions them as among the most defensively resilient teams in Europe. Considering United's alarming record of 17.6 shots conceded each game, their defensive strategy often requires them to scramble for possession. 

Amorim's strategic defensive technique, which stands out for its excellent organisation and exact positioning, could prove essentially crucial for overcoming these challenges. 

Through the implementation of Amorim's compact defensive structure, United could boost their capacity to effectively clamp down shooting routes, consequently ensuring that their defensive lines stay cohesive and resilient against penetrative play. 

This change could result in a significant decrease in the permitted dangerous opportunities, thereby enhancing their defensive standards to better align with those of the league's strongest competitors.

The art of tackling and interceptions: An evolution in defence

Amorim's influence might result in United's defensive techniques—especially in the areas of intercepting and tackling—to evolve dramatically. With a stupendous average of 16.5 tackles per game, his athletic team emphasised the recovery of possession by means of calculated interceptions and controlled pressure over aggressive tackling. 

Sporting's outstanding average of 6.4 interceptions per game shows their commitment to disrupting passing routes as opposed to launching reckless challenges. 

This approach directly conforms to the defensive philosophy of teams such as Manchester City, who similarly accord interceptions top priority. Coupled with a lower rate of interceptions at 8.2, United's rising dependence on tackles—which average 17.8 per game—indicates a strong need for a more advanced defensive plan. 

Amorim would probably encourage United to implement a disciplined pressing style and a defence focused on interceptions, therefore inspiring a more deliberate and methodical approach to reclaiming possession. This approach would not only cut the total number of violations committed but also successfully thwart opposing attacks.

What Manchester United fans should expect under Ruben Amorim

By striking a strategic balance between the creation of quality scoring opportunities and keeping hold of possession, Ruben Amorim's tactical approach could revive Manchester United.

By means of his strategic approach, which fosters innovation and practicality, United is in a position to improve shot accuracy, draw more infractions, and maintain a higher degree of attacking discipline and fluidity. 

Ruben Amorim's opportunity to put his stamp on administration at Manchester United offers a thrilling opportunity to significantly enhance the team's offensive performance and finishing capabilities. 

Amorim's remarkable career at Sporting is evidence of his capacity to unlock players' potential, considering he expertly transformed young players into indispensible team members. Players like Pedro Gonçalves and Gonçalo Inácio thrived under his competent guidance; United's future prospects—Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo—are projected to follow a similar path. Focusing on the growth of individual players could be very vital for the flawless integration of fresh talent and further enhancement of United's offensive output.

All things considered, Ruben Amorim's appointment has the potential to transform Manchester United's approach in tactically, structurally, and personal spheres, as well as other areas.