Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, has recently made headlines with his decision to change the team's formation. This move comes amidst media pressure and a less-than-stellar performance in recent games. However, according to Amorim, this shift was not due to external influences but rather part of his long-term strategy.
Amorim has been under considerable scrutiny for sticking with a back three and wing-backs formation despite the team's lackluster performance. He candidly admitted that if he had succumbed to media pressure and changed the formation prematurely, it would have signified "the end" for him as head coach.
In their recent match against Newcastle United, Amorim deviated from his usual tactics by fielding an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders instead of the traditional back three with wing-backs. Interestingly enough, this tactical shift morphed into a back six during the final stages of the game as Manchester United held on for victory - marking only their second clean sheet of the season.
Not even the Pope could make him change his system
Amorim is known for his steadfastness when it comes to football tactics. He once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system. Despite this bold assertion, he also acknowledges that flexibility is key in football management.
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United manager, said:
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process. We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need to adapt, so they understand why we are changing. It is not because of the pressure of you guys [media], or the fans. When you [media] talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change. We are going to become a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
According to him, having different formations up one’s sleeve is crucial; however timing plays an equally important role in implementing these changes. He believes that such strategic shifts should only be made when his side are performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as though he was bowing down to external noise or pressure.
Evaluating team performance
With just two wins out of eight games prior to beating Newcastle United, there has been debate over whether Amorim's claim of his team playing well is accurate. However, the recent victory and clean sheet could be seen as a positive sign that the new formation may be working in their favor.
Ruben Amorim’s decision to change Manchester United's formation was not an impulsive reaction to media pressure but a calculated move based on his long-term strategy. The success of this tactical shift remains to be seen in upcoming games. Regardless, it serves as a reminder that flexibility and adaptability are key components in football management - something all sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts should keep in mind when analyzing team performance.
