Overall, wasn’t a good half. Nothing on Amorim tho, can’t be expected to change all that much overnight.

Important to know this isn’t his preferred XI as well, some key players to return, maybe even in the 2nd half + beyond this game.

Patience.

Overall, this team clearly lacks the physical prowess, whether this be covering ground, being able to press with intensity throughout, win duels and/or know how to manage them.

+ the same decision making problems up top from the same personnel…

Thank you so much for reading this thread. If you got this far, then thanks so much for staying until the end. I had to miss out some details I wanted to include, but I will touch on these in due course (character, academy).

Hopefully this is the beginning of something special.

Amorim has used a more direct CF with ball to feet # 10s and a more ball to feet CF with direct # 10s, United has a mixture that can be used.

Amorim has also used Pedro G as a pivot player when expected to hold the majority of possession, which means Bruno could play deeper.

Demands Per Position - #9

Many parallels drawn between Gyökeres and Højlund -> the latter does run the channels well -> this is important for Amorim, as mentioned previously.

Rashford also seems a possible fit for left-leaning #9 under Amorim.

+ Zirkzee w/more direct runners.

Knowing when to make a +1 in build-up

Back to goal play when drop in deep + pressed -> turn under pressure?

Play in tight spaces when facing deeper block

Underlaps when WBs in possession wide

Carrying out pressing duties + reading triggers (e.g. when ball goes wide to FB)

Demands Per Position - # 10s

Amorim has showed flexibility in these positions -> generally uses an #8/10 and inverted winger, hence Bruno, Mount, Amad good fits.

He has also used a more explosive winger here, Rashford/Garnacho could also play here depending on #9.

Demands Per Position - CMs

Part of front press, thus intensity

Building stay-go relationship (staggered CMs)

Deeper CM 3-1 rest defence vs certain opp -> screening qualities

Higher CM push up in 4-2-2-2, runs on last line

Holding ball under press, wall passes

Short term (until Shaw/Malacia back to full match sharpness), expect Dalot and Mazraoui as WBs- build foundations.

Manage the “load” of Shaw -> LCB better option to reduce physical demands compared to LWB?

Garnacho/Antony most suited to WB roles from United’s wingers.

Demands Per Position - WBs

Engine, intensity -> press forwards and run back

Flexibility (comfort in FB, WB, winger areas of the pitch)

Use of inside foot -> see chance creation method 1

1 vs 1 separation techniques

Final product -> cutbacks, crosses

Neither Maguire nor De Ligt can go into pivot.

Hence Amorim will have to compromise in one particular area, and I think he’ll opt for the increased physical presence and perhaps adapt the build-up slightly.

LCB -> pivot and move CCB across?

3-4-3 transitions into 4-2-2-2.

Demands Per Position - CCB

For goal kicks, the CCB often goes into the pivot, which suits Martinez + then less channel defending.

However, being the CCB demands a strong aerial presence -> Amorim has opted for Coates, Diomande in the past.

Martinez possibly better fit at LCB?

Demands Per Position- Wide CBs

- Ball progression -> finding forward passes into # 10s in pockets

- Channel Defending -> adaptation to be comfortable defending channels when WB pushes up

Overall, investment needed in CBs to sign more players who meet both demands.

Adaptation to United:

Various possibilities for Amorim’s Utd lineup in the short-run, and some areas where he’ll have to adapt dynamics or simply buy the profiles he needs.

He has already mentioned it’s “I choose always 100% my way.”

Possible lineup in short-run:

Typically, Amorim will set up in a mid-block in settled defence, but isn’t frightened to switch between high/mid/low block when necessary.

Usually 5-2-3 / 5-4-1 shape.

When using an 8/10 as one of the 3 forward players (Pedro G/Bruno) easy to transition to 5-3-2 (vs city).

The spaces which the pivot players have to cover depend a lot on whether the CBs go man to man on the #10/CF of the opponent.

From what I’ve seen, this is situation-dependent. Here, both Ignacio and Diomande follow the #10 and CF to regain possession.

Getting back into defensive positions quickly is something which Amorim worked on in training this week + talked about in his press conference.

Very high demands on the pivot players and WBs.

“We have to be better running back.”

UTD will need to improve A LOT physically.

Press - Example 2

However, the press isn’t always cohesive.

There’s occasions when Sporting have gone to press high, with the defensive line dropping off and the opp. #10/CF with space between the lines.

They do however get back very quickly.