Old Trafford: The Dilemma of Ruben Amorim
OLD TRAFFORD — Ruben Amorim finds himself in a familiar position, facing the inevitable questions that arise following Manchester United’s matches against top-tier teams. You can almost see the tension building on his face as he prepares for the post-match press conferences, particularly after games where his team has struggled to assert their style.
Despite his repeated declarations of a desire for an attacking brand of football, it often seems that his team is playing in a manner that is contrary to those principles. After a tense 1-1 draw against Arsenal, Amorim voiced his frustrations, stating, “I am just seeing the low block, and you can feel the frustration of the fans.” His insistence on a more dynamic approach is clear, yet the reality on the pitch tells a different story.
Since arriving in England, Amorim has become somewhat of a broken record, consistently emphasizing his vision of a more aggressive style of play, particularly in the final third. Yet, the results have not aligned with expectations. Still, one can observe his tactical intentions each week, albeit with limited success.
Interestingly, some of United’s best performances during Amorim’s tumultuous tenure have emerged when they have resorted to a more defensive strategy—an approach he publicly disavows. By frustrating stronger opponents like Liverpool at Anfield, Arsenal in the FA Cup, and Manchester City at the Etihad, Amorim has managed to craft memorable moments for the club.
In these encounters, United has often opted to sit back in a low defensive block, absorbing pressure from their more skilled rivals. Once these elite teams become frustrated, United has been able to exploit opportunities on the counter-attack, finding ways to create scoring chances despite having less possession.
As the atmosphere turned tense at Old Trafford during the recent match, the sense of a siege mentality was palpable. Following protests against the Glazer family’s ownership, where over 5,000 fans marched down Sir Matt Busby Way expressing their discontent, the home supporters had little to cheer about as United delivered a lackluster first-half performance against Arsenal, who themselves were struggling to find their rhythm.
However, the situation shifted dramatically when Bruno Fernandes curled in a stunning free-kick just before halftime, breaking the deadlock. Following this, Amorim’s tactical adjustments became evident. In the second half, United displayed a more cohesive performance, even after Declan Rice equalized with a well-placed shot. The home side appeared content to defend deep, allowing Arsenal to dictate possession while looking for opportunities to strike.
Fernandes showed immense passion on the pitch, celebrating tackles with the fervor of a World Cup victory, and the United supporters responded positively, rekindling the connection with their team. It was a strategy that seemed to be working.
Despite criticism aimed at his reluctance to adapt his tactics, Amorim demonstrated that he could diverge from his usual high-pressing 3-4-3 formation to achieve reasonable success. Although David Raya’s exceptional goalkeeping ultimately denied United a full three points, Amorim proved he could navigate the complexities of the Premier League without sacrificing his core philosophies. Just don’t let anyone else in on this secret, okay?
