In his first training session at Carrington, Ruben Amorim has introduced an unexpected role for a Manchester United star, as revealed through video footage. The tactical adjustment suggests Amorim’s innovative approach and his intent to maximize the player’s potential in a fresh capacity.
Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United has sparked a level of excitement that rivals the buzz generated when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was announced as interim manager. Fans eagerly watched Amorim’s first training session at Carrington, scrutinizing every detail as if it were a live match. This intense interest is understandable given Amorim’s reputation as one of Europe’s most promising tacticians, renowned for his innovative strategies and disciplined approach.
Even in brief glimpses of his initial training session, Amorim’s influence was evident. He wasted no time implementing his signature three-at-the-back system, a formation that brought him success at Sporting. Despite working with a squad primarily composed of younger players, Amorim has already emphasized the importance of adhering to a clear, non-negotiable identity for the team.
The training setup mirrored his tried-and-tested system. Three defenders were flanked by two wingbacks, with two defensive midfielders positioned ahead, tasked with pushing forward to create opportunities. A three-man attack, spearheaded by Marcus Rashford, added another layer of tactical intrigue. Notable adjustments included Luke Shaw operating as part of the defensive trio rather than his usual left-wingback role, alongside Leny Yoro and Jonny Evans. Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia and Antony occupied the wingback positions, with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro forming an adventurous midfield partnership. Mason Mount and Amad Diallo supported Rashford up front, possibly hinting at Rashford’s future under Amorim.
One particularly striking aspect was Antony’s new role. The Brazilian winger, who has struggled to justify his hefty £85 million price tag and has become emblematic of Manchester United’s broader challenges, was a focal point of Amorim’s adjustments. Antony’s predictable playstyle—cutting inside from the right to shoot with his left foot—has made him an easy target for defenders, limiting his impact and contributing to United’s inconsistency. Amorim’s challenge is to unlock Antony’s potential and maximize his contribution to the team.
Interestingly, Antony’s left-footedness led to speculation that he could take up the left-wingback role in Amorim’s system. If successfully integrated, this positional shift could revive Antony’s career and offer Manchester United a valuable asset in their tactical evolution. Through just one session, Amorim has shown his commitment to transforming the team and introducing a distinct style that blends structure with creative freedom. His tenure promises to be an exciting chapter for the club, with fans and players alike eager to embrace his
vision.
