Ruben Amorim, who took over as Manchester United manager in November, has faced significant challenges since his appointment. Despite his previous success at Sporting CP, Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford has been marred by a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League and a loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final. Former Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has attributed some of Amorim’s struggles to his steadfast commitment to the 3-4-3 formation.
Rene Meulensteen said: “I find it, in my personal opinion, a bit short-sighted in that respect. You’re losing again today, is it because of the system? I think he should have said, ‘Listen, I prefer a 3-4-3 system. I had a lot of success with it. I know it can work. I’m going to try to make it work at Manchester United. However, I need to have a look at the squad first. I need to look at how I can best use the players and utilise their strengths because that’s what you need to do. And I need to get to know the Premier League and the opponents and everything.’ There’s so many variables that have an effect on whether that system is going to work or not.”
Meulensteen continued: “So if he would have done that, he would have been more flexible in getting to grips with the size of the task anyway, never mind losing or winning games. However, he has argued that it is not too late for Amorim to change his ways. Instead, the Dutch coach believes that the United boss being tactically flexible would be a sign of strength. It is hard to say what kind of advice you would give him, because if he diverts from that, he sees it as a weakness. So that’s why he’s been, maybe, stubborn and stuck to it. ‘I’m going to make it work, no matter what.’ I don’t think it would be a sign of weakness. Why could you not say, ‘Listen I know I’ve said this. However, the experiences I’ve had over the last few months make me rethink and review. I also do think that you never should stick yourself to one particular system, because a system is nothing else than a framework. How you’re going to start the game. The moment the whistle goes, a 4-4-2 flows into a 4-3-3, a 2-4-4, however the game pans out. So that is not the most important thing.”
Amorim’s tactical rigidity has been a focal point of criticism, with Meulensteen suggesting that a more adaptable approach could benefit the team. The upcoming summer transfer window will be crucial for Manchester United as they aim to rebuild without the lure of European competition. The club has already secured the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and is reportedly targeting Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.
The challenges ahead for Amorim are significant, as he must navigate the complexities of the Premier League while reshaping the squad to better fit his tactical vision. Whether he chooses to maintain his current system or adapt to a more flexible strategy remains to be seen, but the decisions made in the coming months will undoubtedly shape the future of Manchester United under his leadership.
