Before the Wolves game, Ruben Amorim told the players that the team would have to change. The Portuguese coach did not say too much about this issue but left a very clear impression on the tactics that there was a major change in preparation.
The reason is that in the coming time, three stars, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui will return to the national team to play AFCON. These are 3 players who, if in the best condition, will take over the right wing of Man United. Therefore, when they are all lost, Ruben Amorim must change.
If Amorim moves to a 4-3-3 formation, it is not surprising. In the training sessions preparing for the match against Bournemouth, this strategist gave his players a lot of practice to adapt to that formation. In the previous win over Wolves, there were many situations where Amorim deployed 4 defenders to defend. This method can be repeated in many subsequent matches.
Although Amorim has repeatedly said he will keep his 3-4-3 identity. However, the situation of the people forced him to change. Although he did so, the Portuguese strategist showed everyone that he did so out of his own intention, not due to the influence of public opinion outside.
In the coming time, when the 3 African stars are absent, Ruben Amorim will welcome the return of Benjamin Sesko. However, Amorim also predicted that Sesko himself could have to change his playing style when there are no more 3 African stars on the right wing.
Amorim shared that without Amad and Mbeumo, the team's attack must change and it is also a good opportunity for the whole team to change in another way. From there, Man United will have more diverse playing styles to win more.
Amad and Mbeumo have started 9/15 Premier League games together since the start of the season for Man United, showing incredible harmony. Against Wolves, they had very good coordination in the second half, helping the "Red Devils" put huge pressure on the opponent.
In 4 matches against teams in the Top 10, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton, Mazraoui also started with the Mbeumo - Amad pair. This statistic further shows the importance of the African star trio in Amorim's campaign this season.
The AFCON final will take place on January 18. Therefore, any player in this group of 3 players in that match will miss a series of important matches of Man United in the upcoming match such as the confrontation with Aston Villa, Newcastle, Wolves, Leeds, Burnley, Brighton (FA Cup) and Manchester City.
AFCON's preparation has begun, along with injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, forcing Ruben Amorim to make a change now. The 40-year-old coach with Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in his hands is in good shape, ready to change the way he plays defensively in the upcoming short period.
