Ruben Amorim has the opportunity to debut a revamped Manchester United attacking strategy against Manchester City. This matchup could mark the first time Amorim’s fresh tactical vision is implemented, potentially revitalizing United’s offensive dynamics and offering a glimpse of their evolving style under his guidance.
Life may offer only a few certainties—death, taxes, and Ruben Amorim’s penchant for tinkering with Manchester United’s starting lineup. The Portuguese tactician, known for his relentless experimentation, is quickly shaping his reputation at Old Trafford, crafting a team identity that is both fluid and unpredictable.
For Thursday night’s hard-fought Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen, Amorim made five changes to the side that fell 3-2 to Nottingham Forest just days earlier. This included unveiling yet another revamped attacking trio, featuring Amad in the front three for the first time under Amorim’s leadership. The 39-year-old, who took over from Erik ten Hag just a month ago, demonstrated his adaptability by moving Amad from his previous role as a right wing-back to a more advanced attacking position alongside Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee. It marked the fifth different attacking combination Amorim has employed in just six matches.
With Manchester United juggling a congested fixture list, rotation has become a necessity. Yet, Amorim’s flexibility raises the intriguing possibility of a sixth unique front three for Sunday’s highly anticipated clash with Manchester City at the Etihad. This Premier League showdown, the first between the two rivals this season, offers United a chance to exploit City’s struggles, with Pep Guardiola’s side suffering seven defeats in their last ten outings, including a midweek loss to Juventus in the Champions League.
Amorim, however, has downplayed any advantage City’s form might give, emphasizing that United have issues of their own. Still, Sunday presents an opportunity for United to secure their first win at the Etihad since March 2021. Amorim’s rotational decisions against Plzen could provide clues about his approach, especially in midfield, where Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro started in place of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo. The Ugarte-Mainoo duo, tipped to form United’s strongest midfield partnership in the future, could be reinstated for the City clash. Their combined grit and dynamism may be crucial in a game where Guardiola’s side is expected to dominate possession.
Should Ugarte and Mainoo return to the lineup, Fernandes might shift back into his favored advanced role as one of two No. 10s. Up front, Rasmus Højlund seems a certain starter after his impactful substitute appearance against Plzen, scoring and influencing the game in just 29 minutes. The final spot in the front three is up for grabs, with Amad likely reverting to a wing-back role. Mason Mount, who impressed off the bench on Thursday, could be handed a rare start. Amorim’s admiration for Mount has been evident since his arrival, with the manager praising the former Chelsea man’s tactical intelligence and tireless work ethic. Against a City side known for their control, Mount’s energy and pressing could be invaluable.
Mount’s inclusion would not only add balance but also inject creativity into the attack. He showcased his attacking instincts against Plzen, coming close to scoring his second goal for the club and delivering more impact in under 30 minutes than Rashford or Zirkzee managed in their respective hour-long shifts. Pairing Mount with Fernandes as dual attacking midfielders behind Højlund could give United an entirely new look in attack. It’s a configuration Amorim has yet to try, making it an exciting option for a game of this magnitude.
Despite City’s recent struggles, their tactical dominance remains intact. For United to emerge victorious, Amorim’s lineup will need to strike the right balance between defensive resilience and attacking ingenuity. Mount’s energy, Ugarte and Mainoo’s grit, and Højlund’s clinical finishing could form the backbone of United’s efforts to claim a memorable derby victory. With Amorim still refining his approach, Sunday could showcase another innovative tactical setup that gives Manchester United a fighting chance against their noisy neighbors.
