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Accepting the need for change

Ruben Amorim's preferred wing-back setup doesn't represent the fundamental issue of the Red Devils' struggles. The Manchester giants are rebuilding after prolonged organizational issues and the existing team remains in transition, with strengths in some areas while obvious flaws continue elsewhere.

However, structural vulnerabilities characterize the current tactical approach, most notably underloads in central areas and width problems that demand solutions. Previous managers have effectively handled similar challenges – the former Chelsea boss with Chelsea and the Crystal Palace manager with the Eagles show that player movement outweighs starting positions.

The manager recently commented: "Our formation isn't the issue, the outcomes are," which resembles focusing on effects instead of root issues. Competitors have repeatedly targeted the same weaknesses in Amorim's approach for multiple months, not because of tactical ignorance but due to the approach itself has fundamental issues.

Consequently, there won't be a magical fix where all pieces connect, similar to big-money transfers will not instantly resolve the fundamental problems. The London club's recent match acts as a prime case – although they lost their head coach and crucial performers during the summer transfer window, they modified their tactical setup intentionally to expose the Red Devils' consistent system.

When the former Ajax coach joined Manchester United, it was soon clear that Eredivisie success didn't transfer to the English top flight; his failure to adapt was fundamental in his ultimate failure. Currently the Portuguese manager – who looks to hold the complete skill set for the game's most demanding role except tactical flexibility – is mirroring similar errors and squandering an unprecedented opening. After many years Old Trafford possesses proprietors dedicated to securing victories rather than profit generation.

Adjusting the outside centre-backs

Flank-oriented stoppers perform vital functions in United's formation: they carry possession forward, execute crucial challenges, cover wide areas, change direction, start offensive moves and augment forward play. Any tactical analyst might wonder whether deploying two of such multi-functional defenders in a defensive trio proves logical when a traditional backline could solve central problems.

Currently, these defensive players find themselves restricted by enemy strikers who, by standing nearby, stop them from advancing into midfield as the tactics demand. This situation enables clubs with midfield overloads to play around United's midfield, creating urgent problems that need addressing.

Possible solutions include ordering stoppers to push forward anyway – though this risks defensive exposure – or pulling Cunha deeper to enhance ball progression, limiting forward options but exploiting his driving runs. The most logical adjustment involves changing the high-press system from the existing high-risk formation to a more balanced 4-4-2 that ensures superior organization and removes the requirement for defenders to advance.

Reintegrating Kobbie Mainoo

The manager's chosen approach of rapid transitions requires United to empty central areas and depend on direct passes, hoping for magical moments rather than structured attacking patterns. Although expected goals data show promise, match observations show that present attacking output result primarily from penalty awards and hopeful shots rather than consistent attacking.

Elite clubs control matches through tempo manipulation. The Red Devils' failure to achieve this doesn't fall solely on Amorim's approach; sources suggest he asked for central additions during the summer window but encountered resistance from football director. Beyond fault allocation, the existing condition remains unsustainable.

The manager's first-choice pairing of the Brazilian and Portuguese, with Manuel Ugarte offering backup, has minimized appearances for the academy graduate. Although reasonable doubts exist about his physical development and forward distribution, benching this potential raises questions about the tactical plan's suitability.

Casemiro, Fernandes and Ugarte represent fast-paced play, whereas the youngster provides pace management. At Sporting Lisbon, his side could launch early attacks due to technical advantage against most Primeira Liga opponents, confident they would win the ball back if they lost it. However in the Premier League, the competitive level means poor retention faces quick consequences, while pure power exclusively cannot guarantee success.

The midfielder's technical ability shines through, and while partnering him with the attacking midfielder generates vulnerability, these issues become secondary in a controlling side. Accounting for current statistics showing they surrender superior scoring situations than every other team, including the youngster appears reasonable to try as alternative approaches have proven unsuccessful. Despite unknown factors about his exact role in the current setup, regular playing time represents the ideal improvement method and probably wouldn't damage the current situation.

Improving wing effectiveness

Down the right flank, the partnership of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo ought to complement each other given their similar characteristics of imagination, understanding and grit. When combined with Leny Yoro, they could form an effective combination that increases goal threat. Right now however, static movement makes opponents' jobs simpler for structured teams.

The manager needs to introduce structured rotation patterns that create uncertainty through frequent role switching. Service into wide areas must show diversity – preventing static possession but regularly into channels to optimize forward movement. This tactic allows central penetration, beating defenders and creating passing lanes for attempts on goal or deliveries.

Down the left side, the full-back regularly gets possession in advanced areas even without the necessary ability to exploit successfully. Changing his starting point somewhat further back would employ his recovery skills and progressive movement to {supply more creative players|service better attackers|provide for