A week that began with an exit at Old Trafford has ended with an entrance.
After Manchester United's 2-1 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday, there was anger over a VAR decision and disappointment at another poor result this season.
Then on Monday the club made the decision to part ways with Erik ten Hag.
Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim quickly emerged as the club's preferred choice to take the job and on Friday United confirmed his appointment on a two-and-a-half year deal running until June 2027, with the option of another year.
So how will United shape up under Amorim? What kind of changes will he enact on the pitch?
The Sporting News runs through his favoured tactics and formation and the players who could shine (or not) under him at Old Trafford.
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Ruben Amorim tactics and formation at Man United
Amorim, who has been in charge of Sporting since 2020, has been highly coveted by Premier League clubs in the recent past.
He was heavily linked with the Liverpool job before Arne Slot was appointed in the summer, he reportedly held talks with West Ham before this season started.
He's also been mentioned as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, especially since it was confirmed Sporting's director of football Hugo Viana will replace Txiki Begiristain from next season at the Etihad Stadium.
The Portuguese coach favours a 3-4-3 system, which is dominant in possession and puts a big emphasis on high pressing. However, he's also known as a pragmatic manager, who will set up in a defensive mode when necessary and tailor his approach to his opponent.
United are in dire need of an on-pitch identity that works for them, with Ten Hag struggling to implement any discernible style during his two-and-a-half years as boss.
The Dutchman initially wanted to play possession football but scrapped that plan after two games and two defeats in 2022, eventually settling on a 'transition' style that involved quite direct attacking football, but little structure in midfield.
The 'doughnut' midfield was something United became renowned for under Ten Hag and contributed towards his demise.
It will be hoped Amorim can build something far more cohesive. His record of two league titles in four years at Sporting, where he's been highly praised for his tactical acumen and attractive football, bodes well.
🚨🚨| JUST IN: #mufc want Rúben Amorim to be in charge of the team against Chelsea on Sunday. [@Record_Portugal] pic.twitter.com/AUi8jxtctK
— centredevils. (@centredevils) October 29, 2024
How Man United will line up in Amorim's 3-4-3
If Amorim is wedded to a 3-4-3 system, something similar to the tactics Antonio Conte used to win the league with Chelsea in 2016/17 – albeit in a more fluent and adaptable style – then how would United's current players fit into that?
Here is a possible lineup:
GK: Andre Onana – He is United's undisputed No.1 and plays the ball well with his feet, an attribute Amorim will demand from his goalkeeper.
RCB: Leny Yoro – The summer signing from Lille never played a competitive game under Ten Hag due to injury but is highly rated and his pace at the back is something United lack.
CB: Harry Maguire – The former United captain has played well in three-man defences for England and could be suited to a system that allows him to bring the ball out in possession.
LCB: Lisandro Martinez – As United's main left-footed central defender, the Argentinian would be ideal for this role on the left of a three where his qualities on the ball could be harnessed.
RWB: Diogo Dalot – Amorim's compatriot would be a natural fit as a right wing-back, given he's far better going forward than he is defensively.
CDM: Manuel Ugarte – He starred under Amorim at Sporting before switching to PSG in 2023 and played the best football of his career in Lisbon.
CDM: Kobbie Mainoo – You'd have to think the new boss will find a place for the talented United teenager, whose ceiling remains sky-high.
LWB: Luke Shaw – When fit, Shaw is a dangerous wing-back, capable of playing wicked crosses in for his forwards and is a smart defender.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – Another Portuguese player, albeit Fernandes' time at Sporting didn't overlap with Amorim's. The new manager must get the best from United's skipper.
AM: Alejandro Garnacho – He's been United's best player this season but must improve his end product. It remains to be seen if Amorim's system would suit Garnacho.
CF: Rasmus Hojlund – The Dane is United's best striker and still has huge potential, but must start scoring more goals when spearheading the attack.
Players Ruben Amorim could sign and sell at Man United
United's approach in the transfer market for the past few years has had a distinctly Dutch feel to it. Erik ten Hag favoured signings from his homeland, from Ajax, or players with whom he's worked before.
Even the most recent window, summer 2024, saw United sign Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, former Ten Hag mentee Matthijs de Ligt and ex-Ajax full-back Noussair Mazraoui. Whether any of them will play a key role in the Amorim era remains to be seen.
The same can be said of Casemiro, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof, who all appear some way past their peaks and could be moved on.
In terms of incomings, Amorim may decide to sign a new natural left wing-back given Shaw and Tyrell Malacia's injury problems; a new No.10 to play the attacking midfield or inside forward role in his 3-4-3 could be sought; and there will be scrutiny on established players like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire.
There will surely be inevitable United links with players like Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres, who has been prolific in Portugal. Midfielder Pedro Gonçalves has also been linked to the Premier League in recent years and could fit the bill in Amorim's engine room as he rebuilds United.
