Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system has received plenty of criticism at Manchester United, but it looks here to stay as far as the manager is concerned and that may see one star player continue to suffer.
Amorim: "I am not going to change"
A 2-1 win against top six rivals Chelsea at least handed Amorim a much-needed glimmer of hope, but that doesn’t take away the problems that he still has in his Man United side.
Victory over the Blues saw the former Sporting Club boss reach just his ninth Premier League victory in around 10 months in charge, summing up the work that is still to come at Old Trafford. Yet, even with such a dismal record, Amorim has insisted that his 3-4-2-1 system will not be changing anytime soon.
The manager told reporters after a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City: “I understand and accept it is not a record you should have in Manchester United.
“There are a lot of things, you have no idea what happened during these months but I am not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.”
One player who has struggled to make his mark in the current system as of late is Bruno Fernandes. The midfielder has been forced to settle for a deeper role in front of the back three rather than one of the two most advanced positions. As a result, he has contributed to just one open-play goal all season, which came against Chelsea last time out.
According to former player Lee Sharpe, however, it’s not the captain who’s suffering the most under Amorim. Instead, it’s another one of United’s top players who’s struggling to find his feet.
Lee Sharpe reveals why Amad has "suffered" under Amorim
According to Sharpe, it’s Amad Diallo who has “suffered” during Amorim’s reign. The winger was United’s “best player” in stages of last season in the opinion of the former Old Trafford ace, but has now been limited by being asked to play a number of different roles instead of nailing down just one.
“When you’re a winger playing wing-back, having to defend from your corner flag, it takes a little bit out of you to go and do it at the other end as well.
“He was our best player going forward for early parts of our last season but then he had that injury. I don’t think it’s great for someone like him to play No. 10, then wing-back, then somewhere else. It throws you off your rhythm a little bit.
“He’s a wide player, so it’s very difficult to tuck in as a No. 10. It’s not doing him any favours. He’s definitely suffered under Amorim’s formation.”
Without a goal all season and with just one assist to his name, the numbers certainly suggest that Sharpe is correct in his verdict. Alas, just like his formation, Amorim is unlikely to change things any time soon.