Rúben Amorim initially hesitated to join the club midseason, particularly while enjoying success at Sporting CP, but it’s now past the one-year mark of Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. Throughout his tenure, Amorim has faced consistent scrutiny from the press and pundits for sticking to his 3-4-3 system.
Hired as a system head coach who the club were willing to back, after a strong summer transfer window, the pieces finally look to be falling into place. For the first time in a long time, United bought their head coach the players they needed. Key contributors to the team’s recent improvement have been new arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo.
Battling at the Top End of the Table
After nine games, one quarter of the way through the season, Manchester United were ahead of Liverpool by a point, tied with Manchester City on 16 points, and three points short of second-place in sixth. Given that their opening fixtures were among the most challenging, on paper, it marks a promising start to the season for Manchester United.
At the time of writing, the sports betting lines for a finish in the top four and top five of the Premier League see United among the favourites. They’ve got 2.25 odds – just behind Chelsea on 2.15 – to secure a top four spot. Then, they’re tied with Chelsea on 1.70 to finish in the top five in the outright odds.
Manchester United finished 15th last season with 42 points. The big changes have been Amorim having the summer to drill in his system, the club weeding out non-compliant players, and bringing in players who suit the system. Alongside Bruno Fernandes, who has transitioned effectively into a deeper role, Mbuemo and Cunha have emerged as standout performers.
Importantly, not only have they added some real attacking punch, a willingness to disrupt defenders, and have fired an inordinate count of shots – 42 shots between them in the first nine games – but they work back very well. Both players demonstrate high work rates and have quickly integrated into the squad, setting a strong example.
Momentum Highlights Progress, But Challenges Remain
United are rolling, propelled by an invigorated attack and, rather swiftly, a new goalkeeper between the posts. However, the main frailties remain the same as they have been for a very long time. Defensive depth, particularly at centre back, remains a concern for United’s ambitions at the top of the table.
Matthijs de Ligt has put in a fair few very spirited displays this season, and Amorim has enjoyed deploying a high press with Luke Shaw along the backline. However, with Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven being inexperienced and Lisandro Martínez’s ongoing injury issues, what is now a back three lacks a consistent, reliable presence.
Harry Maguire has offered an alternative to Shaw, being a deep-sitter as opposed to an aggressive and speedy defender, but the backline clearly still needs reinforcements who fit the system. Every team that’s ever won the Premier League has had at least one elite-tier centre back in a four-man backline. United may benefit from additional reinforcements in central defence.
Amorim and the club can take encouragement from the team’s current form, as should the club. However, while the attack has had a much-needed injection of vigour, Manchester United still needs to address the backline.
