Ruben Amorim can rescue Man United – I saw why it will be different this time
Man United battle to a 1-1 draw against Ipswich this weekend highlighted one thing – Ruben Amorim’s vision for this team has immense potential.
While it’s still early in his tenure, there were enough promising signs on display in his first match on 24 November to suggest he could be the man to lead United to greater heights.
Marcus Rashford, leading the line, looked sharp and confident, scoring just 81 seconds into the game. It meant the Red Devils boss became only the second permanent manager in Premier League history to see his side score within the opening two minutes of his very first game in the competition, along with David Moyes with Everton in March 2002.
The goal was a result of a fantastic piece of play from Amad Diallo, who was surprisingly deployed as a right wing-back. Diallo seized the opportunity to shine, using his pace and strength to deliver a pinpoint cross for Rashford to convert. His performance suggests Amorim’s willingness to experiment tactically could unlock hidden potential in this squad.
United looked particularly dangerous when pressing high, embodying the energy and intensity Amorim demands. While the current squad isn’t yet perfectly tailored to this style, the potential is there. Players like Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Luke Shaw—who were surprisingly left out—could thrive in the dynamic, mobile setup Amorim wants to create.
Man United draw at Ipswich to begin new era
Even Casemiro, who struggled to close down Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson before the midfielder struck a fine equaliser from outside the box, could rediscover his best form with more time under the former Sporting Lisbon boss.
The 3-4-3 system the Portuguese manager employed showed flashes of brilliance but also some areas for growth. Bruno Fernandes, for example, was tasked with a more advanced, fixed role rather than his usual free-roaming position. This led to him having just 22 touches in the first half, far below his usual influence. However, this adjustment also kept Fernandes closer to goal, offering hope that he could thrive once the team fully adapts to Amorim’s system.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, the Red Devils’ style was often seen as counter-attacking, with a reliance on individual brilliance and Erik Ten Hag’s style, which emphasises patience in build-up play, was at times too slow, and the team often struggled to generate attacking threats when pressed by well-organised sides.
In contrast, Amorim brings a more dynamic, attacking style that could suit United’s attacking players much better. His 3-4-3 system focuses on high pressing, fluid positional rotations, and quick transitions— qualities that could unlock more of the squad’s potential.
The 39-year-old’s tactical philosophy was evident during the draw at Portman Road, as the team showcased glimpses of attacking promise despite the result. Amorim’s side dominated possession with 70% of the ball and had more touches in the opposition box (16-11) compared to Ipswich. Yet, despite their clear territorial advantage, the Red and White army couldn’t convert their dominance into a decisive second goal.
Amorim can make Red Devils a real attacking threat
Rashford himself was a bright spark, running in between the lines of the Tractor Boys’ defence with drive, pace, and threat, constantly unsettling their backline. Diallo was a standout performer, excelling in an unfamiliar right wing-back role. He dominated the right-hand side of the pitch, combining pace, strength, and creativity.
In the second half, United captain Fernandes continued to be a major goal threat for United. His sharp movement and vision allowed him to link up well with his teammates and get into dangerous positions, creating chances that looked promising.
Diogo Dalot impressed while playing as a left wing-back, contributing both defensively and offensively. His versatility on the left side allowed United to stretch Ipswich’s defense, making runs into advanced positions while also tracking back when needed. Dalot’s energy and ability to provide width in attack made him a key figure as United looked to break down Ipswich’s defensive setup.
While the team couldn’t break down Ipswich’s stubborn defence for a second goal, the building blocks are in place. With Amorim’s tactical adjustments and the right signings, there is reason to believe he can unlock the potential in United’s young squad and finally break the churn of managers at Old Trafford.
In other news, Man United fans savage “disrespectful” Ed Sheeran for what he did to Amorim.
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