Ruben Amorim was appointed by Manchester United to bring a unique style of play and identity to the team.
A clear identity is something that was severely lacking in Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United before Ruben Amorim arrived. It was often impossible to predict not only the personnel, but how the team would play.
Since arriving at Old Trafford, Amorim has stubbornly stuck to his tactics, employing a 3-4-2-1 formation despite constant criticism and calls to adapt.
The truth is, Amorim has adapted. The 3-4-2-1 shape has been drilled into his players, but there is room within that shape to approach games differently. In some matches, United have gone long to Benjamin Sesko, while others have seen a fluid, pressing front line that includes Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha.
Ultimately, Amorim deserves credit for his tactics and sticking to his ideas through adversity. It has, however, meant that United have strayed from the blueprint laid out by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ruben Amorim is not relying on counter-attacks
Sir Alex Ferguson is the best to ever do it, and his success spanned over two decades because he was always willing to adapt and evolve his Manchester United side.
However, one constant in his approach was that United were known for their lightning-quick counter-attacks. As pointed out by former coach Rene Meulensteen via CoachesVoice, counter-attacks were a staple of Ferguson’s tactics.
When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge of United, it was also a tactic he often leaned on. In fact in January 2021, United published an article explaining that the Red Devils were statistically the Premier League’s best counter-attackers.
However, nine games into the 2025/26 season and United are yet to score from a counter-attack, as per WhoScored.
Out of United’s 15 goals scored, 60% have come from open play and 20% from set-pieces. Own-goals and one penalty make up the remaining numbers.
Under Amorim, United are leaning less and less on counter-attacks and more on dominating their opponents in their own half.
Man United are learning to dominate under Ruben Amorim
During his first weeks as head coach, it was made clear that Amorim wants United to control matches.
“I want a team who can control the ball, [and] play without fear,” Amorim said in late 2024. While United have picked up strong results against big-six opponents in the last decade, they have often come from defending deep and hoping for individual brilliance on a counter-attack.
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Under Amorim, there is a more methodical approach, and fans watching United now know what to expect from their side. There is still a long way to go, but faith in Amorim’s tactics is improving each and every match.
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In the recent three-match win streak, United have outrun their opponents in every match. Not only are United players finally understanding their adapted roles in this system, but they are buying into Amorim’s ideas wholeheartedly.
An odd counter-attacking goal here and there can be expected, but gone are the days of United relying on them for results.
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