The 3-4-2-1 formation was a masterpiece for Ruben Amorim at his former club Sporting, helping him win consecutive league titles and Portuguese Cups. However, it hasn't worked at Man Utd. In 29 Premier League matches, he has 7 wins, 7 draws, and 15 losses, a worse record than even his predecessor Erik ten Hag's final 29 matches (12 wins, 7 draws, and 10 losses).

According to British media, Man Utd lacks the players suited to Amorim's style. Therefore, the Portuguese manager needs tactical flexibility instead of rigid adherence to one system. The 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, like ten Hag used, could be the right choice given the Red Devils' need for wins. If they don't perform well in their next three matches against Burnley, Man City, and Chelsea, Amorim's team could be drawn into a relegation battle.

Man Utd haven't scored a goal themselves in the first two rounds of the Premier League. They were goalless in their 0-1 loss to Arsenal before their only goal in the 1-1 draw with Fulham came from Rodrigo Muniz's own goal.

Man Utd's goal drought stems partly from Amorim's hesitancy to use his strikers. He's been cautious with new signing Sesko, who has only appeared as a substitute, and has also been reluctant to use Rasmus Hojlund. The lack of a goal scorer reduces their effectiveness and variety in attack, forcing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Mason Mount to shoulder the goal-scoring burden. Man Utd fans are questioning why Amorim only uses Sesko as a substitute while Arsenal has started Viktor Gyokeres from the beginning of the season.

Both of Man Utd's main goalkeepers are causing concern among fans. Andre Onana made numerous mistakes two seasons ago, and Altay Bayindir has also been somewhat disappointing in the past two matches. The Turkish goalkeeper made an error leading to a goal against Arsenal and looked uncertain dealing with Fulham's corners.

Man Utd are in talks with Royal Antwerp to acquire Senne Lammens for 23 million USD. If successful, Amorim could soon test the new signing to address the weakness in goal.

Playing Fernandes as a central midfielder has been a major misstep by Amorim. This not only neutralizes the captain's strengths as an attacking midfielder but also weakens the midfield's control of the game.

If Amorim doesn't intend to return Fernandes to an attacking role, he should consider selling him to fund a proper central midfielder like Carlos Baleba (Brighton) or Morten Hjulmand (Sporting). Al Ittihad are interested in the Portuguese star, and a transfer could bring Man Utd between 80 million and 100 million USD.

In the last two matches, Kobbie Mainoo has been an unused substitute. Even with Fernandes underperforming, Amorim has ignored the young talent who made the most progress under ten Hag. From a hero in the 2024 FA Cup final, the 20-year-old is now merely a squad player.

Amorim's inflexible team selection not only reduces squad depth but also risks losing a top young talent. According to the British press, after two matches without playing time, Mainoo is considering leaving. His potential destinations include Man City, Real Madrid, or Chelsea.

Ngoc Tuan

Photo: Reuters, AFP, PA, CLB