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Acknowledging required adjustments

The manager's favored 3-4-2-1 formation isn't the root cause of Manchester United's difficulties. The Manchester giants are recovering from prolonged organizational issues and the existing team remains in transition, displaying quality in particular roles while significant weaknesses persist elsewhere.

However, tactical weaknesses exist within the current tactical approach, especially numerical disadvantages in the middle and issues out wide that require immediate attention. Other coaches have navigated analogous problems – the former Chelsea boss in West London and the Crystal Palace manager in South London demonstrate that on-field intelligence proves more important than initial formations.

Amorim recently stated: "The system isn't the problem, the outcomes are," which resembles focusing on effects instead of root issues. Rival clubs have consistently exploited similar flaws in United's setup for multiple months, not due to player misunderstanding but due to the approach itself contains inherent flaws.

Consequently, there won't be an instant solution where the system suddenly works, much like expensive signings will not instantly resolve the core challenges. Brentford's recent performance serves as a prime case – although they lost their manager and crucial performers during the summer transfer window, they adjusted their tactical setup specifically to exploit Amorim's unchanged tactics.

When Erik ten Hag came to the club, it quickly emerged that Ajax's playing style couldn't be replicated to English football; his inability to adjust was fundamental in his eventual departure. Currently the Portuguese manager – who seems to possess the complete skill set for football's toughest job apart from adaptability – is following the same pattern and missing a lifetime chance. For the first time Old Trafford possesses proprietors dedicated to securing victories rather than profit generation.

Adjusting the outside centre-backs

Outside centre-backs perform vital functions in Amorim's system: they carry possession forward, perform defensive interventions, monitor spaces, change direction, build from the back and support attacks. Any observer might wonder whether deploying two of such versatile players in a defensive trio proves logical when a traditional backline could alleviate midfield issues.

At the moment, these defenders are being pinned by opposing attackers who, by standing nearby, stop them from joining midfield battles as the system requires. This situation enables clubs with midfield overloads to play around United's midfield, generating immediate issues that require resolution.

Possible solutions include directing defenders to join midfield despite risks – although this could leave defensive exposure – or withdrawing the attacker to improve build-up play, sacrificing attacking threat but exploiting his driving runs. The smartest modification involves altering United's pressing structure from the current aggressive setup to a compact defensive shape that offers improved protection and avoids the necessity for centre-backs to push forward.

Restoring Mainoo's role

United's current tactical plan of rapid transitions forces the team to empty central areas and utilize aerial routes, hoping for magical moments rather than systematic chance creation. Although expected goals data suggest improvement, match observations reveal that present attacking output stem largely from spot-kick decisions and speculative attempts rather than consistent attacking.

Elite clubs dominate games through pace control. United's inability to accomplish this cannot be entirely blamed on Amorim's approach; rumors claim he sought new midfielders during the summer window but encountered resistance from football director. Setting aside responsibility, the present circumstance cannot continue.

The manager's first-choice pairing of the Brazilian and Portuguese, supported by the Uruguayan serving as alternative, has minimized appearances for Kobbie Mainoo. Although reasonable doubts exist about his athletic maturity and forward distribution, benching this potential raises questions about the approach's validity.

Casemiro, Fernandes and Ugarte personify high-tempo football, whereas Mainoo offers tempo control. At Sporting Lisbon, his side could play direct football due to talent disparity against most Primeira Liga opponents, knowing they could recover possession if possession turned over. However in the Premier League, the overall quality means sloppy ball circulation gets punished immediately, while physical dominance alone won't secure results.

The youngster's ball mastery stands out, and even if playing him with the attacking midfielder generates vulnerability, these weaknesses matter less in a controlling side. Considering the team's concession rate showing they allow more high-quality chances than every other team, utilizing the academy product seems worth attempting as different methods have already failed. While uncertainty remains about his precise contribution in this system, match experience represents the optimal growth route and could hardly worsen the current situation.

Maximizing flank contributions

On United's right side, the partnership of the Ivorian and Cameroonian ought to complement each other given their similar characteristics of vision, awareness and tenacity. When combined with the young French defender, they should establish an effective combination that increases goal threat. Right now however, predictable positioning makes opponents' jobs simpler for structured teams.

United's coach should install systematic movement drills that create uncertainty through regular movement. Service into wide areas should vary considerably – avoiding stationary reception but frequently ahead of runners to optimize forward movement. This method facilitates cutting inside, eliminating markers and creating passing lanes for attempts on goal or deliveries.

Down the left side, the full-back regularly gets opportunities in attacking zones although missing the required quality to utilize productively. Changing his starting point a bit more defensive would employ his recovery skills and ball-carrying strength to {supply more creative players|service better attackers|provide for