Insights

Insights

Ruben Amorim – The New Architect of Manchester United

Nov 14, 2024

Gaétan Lajeune - Ishdeep Chadha

In this special edition of Score Insights, we break down Amorim’s methods – from his signature 3-4-3 formation to his skill in maximizing player roles within a cohesive, well-drilled unit. But the real question is, how will this approach translate to the Premier League? 👇

Amorim’s Tactical Blueprint: The 3-4-3 and 5-4-1 Shape

Ruben Amorim’s setup at Sporting CP reveals a manager deeply committed to structure and adaptability. In possession, Sporting’s formation shifts to an aggressive 3-4-3, maximizing width and maintaining fluid attacking options. Out of possession, however, it transitions to a compact 5-4-1, providing solidity and making it difficult for opponents to penetrate their lines. ⚔️

With a high defensive line, Sporting leverages three centre-backs and two wing-backs to hold a commanding position near the centre, facilitating a quick counter-press. This strategic positioning allows more players to close in on loose balls, choking off opposition possession before it can develop into an attack. The compactness of the high line also minimizes passing lanes and time on the ball for opponents, creating an intimidating wall for attackers to overcome. 🚧

In attack, Amorim deploys two wingers/midfielders close to the central striker, providing options for swift, in-behind passes to exploit the striker’s pace and power. Meanwhile, the wing-backs maintain width, ready to whip in crosses or offer overlap runs, stretching the opposition defense and creating chaos in the box. 🌪️

This combination of defensive solidity and aggressive width in attack characterizes Amorim’s tactical approach—a balance of control, pressure, and attacking intent. Manchester United fans can expect to see shades of this dynamic, high-pressing setup as he brings his blueprint to the Premier League stage.

The Art of Passing: Amorim’s Formula for Control and Penetration

Under Ruben Amorim, Sporting CP’s approach to ball movement is a study in controlled, purposeful play. The pass flow map gives us a window into how his team builds their attacks, showcasing clear tendencies and directional focus across different zones of the pitch.

At the core of Sporting’s strategy is central dominance. The central area near the halfway line is the hub of the team’s distribution network. With the darkest zone concentrated here, it’s clear that this area sees the highest volume of passes, serving as the primary channel for dictating tempo and controlling play. This setup isn’t incidental—it’s a core component of Amorim’s philosophy. By maximizing control in central midfield, Sporting forces opponents to respond to their rhythm, keeping them pinned back and reactive.

When it comes to final third entry points, Amorim’s tactics stand out with a focused use of width that funnels inward. In Sporting’s attacking half, passes from wide areas tend to angle towards the central zones. This reflects a clear tactical choice to drive the ball down the flanks, with wingbacks and wingers playing crucial roles. Once near the box, they cut inside or combine with central players, increasing the threat in front of goal. This setup challenges opponents to decide: guard against wide threats or defend central lanes? This versatility has been vital, especially against compact, defensive setups.

One of the most telling aspects of the map is the buildup phase. The lighter shading in Sporting’s defensive third and backward-pointing arrows show an efficient, risk-aware approach in transition from defense to attack. Rather than lingering in their own half, Sporting moves the ball forward swiftly, reducing the risk of costly turnovers. This not only maintains momentum but also keeps opponents on the back foot, constantly adapting to Sporting’s forward momentum.

This balance of central control, wide entry points, and quick transitions has already been highly effective in Liga Portugal, as seen in recent matches against teams like Porto and Benfica. Sporting’s ability to pull players into central areas before exploiting the flanks has opened up dangerous spaces, leading to clinical finishes that keep their attack dynamic.

Amorim’s blueprint at Sporting is clear, and if he brings this same tactical rigor to Manchester, United fans might soon see a more structured, possession-oriented game—something they’ve been hoping for.

All Roads Lead Through the Middle

Amorim’s approach at Sporting CP shows a clear preference for central penetration, with a striking concentration of playmaking actions happening in and around the central area just outside the penalty box. The high numbers in these zones indicate that Sporting heavily relies on moving the ball through the middle to break down defences. 

This setup focuses on direct access to goal, allowing Sporting to apply consistent pressure on the opposition’s central defenders and goalkeeper. By prioritising the heart of the defence, Amorim maximises the probability of creating high-quality chances with clear sight of goal ⚽️.

However, Amorim doesn’t abandon the flanks entirely. The map shows a modest but strategic use of wide areas, acting as secondary pathways when central lanes are blocked. The team’s wide players and wingbacks likely play a key role in circulating the ball into central zones through quick combinations or diagonal passes back inside. This versatile approach keeps the opposition guessing and spreads their defensive resources, ensuring Sporting has multiple angles to penetrate defensive lines.

Another interesting aspect is the slight left-sided bias in playmaking actions. This preference could stem from stronger individual performances on that side or perhaps an intentional tactical move to target perceived vulnerabilities in the opposition’s right defence. By shifting play slightly left, Sporting can surprise defences with sudden switches to the right or quick central entries, adding an unpredictable edge to their attack 🔥.

In Amorim's system, the goal is clear: control the centre, use the flanks as a secondary support, and keep the opposition’s backline under constant threat. This methodology has been effective for Sporting, especially against compact defences in Liga Portugal, setting a framework that Amorim may very well bring to his new role at Manchester United.

Smart Defence, Big Impact: The Mid-Block Strategy

Sporting CP’s defensive actions map from the 2024/25 Liga Portugal season highlights Rúben Amorim’s disciplined and compact defensive philosophy. By dissecting their zonal engagements, we can see how his system balances structure, energy conservation, and effectiveness. 🛡

Sporting employs a mid-block defensive structure, with 12% of defensive actions concentrated in their penalty box and another 12% just outside it. This setup ensures compactness, limiting the opposition’s ability to create high-quality chances in dangerous areas while maintaining a solid defensive shape. 

Central zones are critical to Sporting’s defensive strategy, with 7% of actions occurring in the midfield. Amorim’s focus on controlling the center allows his team to intercept passes, disrupt progression, and force opponents wide, where their attacking threat can be mitigated. 

Wide areas are engaged in a balanced manner, with 4-8% of defensive actions on the flanks. This approach ensures wingers are contained without overcommitting resources, enabling Sporting to retain their structure while preparing for swift counter-attacks. 

Amorim’s energy-efficient pressing is evident, with only 1-2% of defensive actions occurring in the opponent’s half. Sporting focuses on recovering possession in their own half, conserving energy for offensive transitions and reducing exposure to counter-attacks. 

By forcing turnovers in compact zones, Sporting can exploit the opposition’s disorganization and create attacking opportunities. 🔥

Rúben Amorim’s pragmatic yet proactive approach offers Manchester United fans a glimpse of a team that defends as a cohesive unit, balancing structure with calculated aggression. His emphasis on discipline and adaptability could bring a refreshing tactical identity to Old Trafford.

Højlund or Zirkzee: Who Will Lead Amorim’s United Attack?

Now that we’ve seen how Ruben Amorim structures his attack at Sporting CP, let’s dive into how his striker options at Manchester United might fit his system. Victor Gyökeres, the Swedish forward thriving under Amorim in Portugal, has been pivotal this season with 15+ goals across all competitions. But how do United’s young talents—Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee—measure up, and who might Amorim lean toward to spearhead his new-look attack? 🔎

Gyökeres embodies everything Amorim values in a striker: explosive pace, the ability to stretch defenses, and clinical finishing in high-pressure situations. At Sporting, Gyökeres has been a consistent threat with his runs behind the defensive line and his physical dominance in the box. Translating this profile to United, Højlund emerges as the likelier candidate to replicate Gyökeres’ impact. His raw athleticism and acceleration match Amorim’s need for a striker who thrives on direct balls and quick transitions. 

Joshua Zirkzee, by contrast, offers a different flavor. His playmaking abilities, reflected in superior progressive passing and creative numbers, make him an asset in link-up play. However, his finishing ability lags behind that of Gyökeres and Højlund, raising questions about his consistency as the main man in front of goal. Zirkzee could thrive in a supporting role, but Amorim’s system demands a focal point striker capable of relentless movement and finishing—a role Højlund seems better suited to fulfill. 

This comparison underscores Amorim’s upcoming challenge: choosing between a Gyökeres-style finisher in Højlund or a more versatile creator in Zirkzee. Given his preference for pace and directness, the smart bet is on Højlund taking the reins. But with both players still developing, Amorim has the flexibility to adapt his system and maximize their strengths. One thing’s for sure—United’s frontline is set to evolve under his dynamic style. 

Orchestrating the Midfield: Sporting's Proven Double Pivot vs. United’s Potential

At Sporting, Hidemasa Morita and Daniel Bragança have been the engines of Amorim’s system, excelling as a double pivot. Their ability to dictate play with precision passing, progressive carries, and shot-creating actions has been instrumental in Sporting's success. With both players comfortable on the ball and defensively sound, they perfectly balance Amorim’s philosophy of control and compactness. 💪

The radar charts reveal Morita’s efficiency in interceptions and progressive passing, while Bragança’s contributions lean towards creativity and shot creation. Together, they form a balanced pairing capable of breaking down opposition attacks while setting up plays from deep.

When looking at Manchester United’s midfield options, it becomes evident that the team might face a transition challenge. While Casemiro and Ugarte provide robust defensive qualities, their strengths lie in off-ball actions like tackling and screening. Eriksen, on the other hand, offers creativity and tempo control but is hampered by injuries, limiting his reliability. Kobbie Mainoo emerges as the standout candidate for Amorim’s style due to his impressive progressive passing and ability to carry the ball into attacking areas.

A double pivot of Ugarte and Mainoo could mirror Sporting’s dynamic duo. Ugarte’s defensive steel and Mainoo’s offensive drive align well with Amorim’s need for balance and versatility in midfield. With Ugarte acting as the disruptor and Mainoo as the playmaker, this partnership could form the backbone of United’s new era under Amorim. 

Ruben Amorim’s arrival signals a tactical revolution at Old Trafford. His structured philosophy, reliance on dynamic pressing, and focus on central dominance could transform Manchester United’s identity. With talents like Højlund and Mainoo primed to thrive under his system, the Red Devils are poised for an exciting new era. The question now is simple: can Amorim’s vision deliver the silverware United fans crave?

The Next Generation
of Computer Vision

Score ⎸ Subneτ 44

The Next Generation
of Computer Vision

Score ⎸ Subneτ 44

The Next Generation
of Computer Vision

Score ⎸ Subneτ 44

The Next Generation
of Computer Vision

Score ⎸ Subneτ 44