Who Will Thrive and Struggle in Ruben Amorim's New Formation at Manchester United?

Under the direction of new manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United will soon appear dramatically different. Under Erik ten Hag, they were a team that found it difficult to establish a distinct identity and were unable to dedicate themselves to a certain playing style.
Under Amorim, that will experience a strategic change.

With a well-planned press backed by an elevated defensive line that reduces opponents' space, the 39-year-old will most likely change the formation from a 4-2-3-1 towards a 3-4-2-1. Throughout all of his seasons at Sporting Lisbon, Amorim consistently used a three-man rearguard or similar strategy. His preferred configuration since the beginning of 2022–2023 is a 3–4–3, which is centered on an interchangeable, fast forward line.

Alejandro Garnacho, Manuel Ugarte, and Lisandro Martinez might be the three biggest winners of Manchester United's management shift. During his tenure at Old Trafford, Ten Hag did not want to deploy the left-footed Argentinean Martinez, who is ideal for playing on the left of a three.

Martinez is very at ease with Amorim's preference for his centre backs to get their hands on the ball and threading forward passes into midfield during the build-up phase. Martinez leads Manchester United's charts for advanced ball carries and has made 467 effective passes this season, more than any other player. 

Casemiro set to struggle under new formation?

Amorim's center midfielders are expected to cover a lot of ground, and Casemiro has been vulnerable in recent months due to his lack of mobility. The boss will most likely look to Ugarte, who is known as having an all-action style and had 85 games under him in a two-year tenure at Sporting.

Amorim will expect him to move the ball ahead with quality and launch their assaults from deeps. Although Uruguayan midfielder Ugarte is still getting used to the fast-paced nature of the English Premier League football, working for a head coach who brought out the best in him in Lisbon could hasten his growth. Both his defensive efforts in Amorim's defensive pivot and Ugarte's comprehension of the manager's off-the-ball requirements will be essential. Ugarte will therefore need to assume more duty on a matchday.