21 Dec 2025 09:40:29
Yes, Amorim needs to be a bit more flexible and maybe more astute in game management, but changing back from his preferred system to suit players bought under different managers at different times is a dumb idea. Clearly, our owners agree. If we're going to create the new Man Utd then everyone needs to commit to the program. By making players revert to the old ways, one may (or may not) succeed in picking up a couple more points but it simply undoes the tactical training.
If, after this next summer window, when we should be able to spend around £250m and still remain well within UEFA squad cost limits, and even more so within FA limits for non-European qualifying teams, we don't see a substantial improvement in our defense, then it will be time to question Amorim's quality.
In the meantime, we're scoring more goals, letting more in and - contrary to pundits like Paul Scholes - have become an entertaining team to watch. Let's hope we can continue to compete while the preferred right side of our team is in Africa.
21 Dec 2025 12:32:58
The reality is that we are around one third of the way through a whole squad rebuild. We fixed the frontline this summer, but we still need to totally rebuild the midfield, and we probably need a couple of CB's as well.
When big changes are still needed in two of the three main areas of the pitch it's obvious to anyone with an ounce of common sense that we will see inconsistent performances and results, especially when we are missing key players.
I'm not entirely against the idea of switching to a back four during the AFCON as a short term measure to deal with losing Mbeumo, Amad and Mazraoui. It solves the issue of not having a proper right sided wingback, and the lack of wide threat on that side. Move to a a back four, let Dalot play at RB (his best position), add more legs and protection in midfield, and still have some balance in attack.
We've lost two of our best players in Mbeumo and Amad, and we have to accept that we don't have the quality in depth to replace them like for like. So adapting for the short term isn't a bad idea. It's a low risk strategy as unless we absolutely smash it while playing a 433 (which is unlikely given us losing our best players) then it strengthens the managers hand to switch back to his preferred system once our African players return.
If we were able to get deals done over the summer to replace Shaw with Branthwaite, bring in Guehi on a free, and sign Anderson and Baleba with Casemiro and Bruno leaving. Then just think how much that would improve our team. Especially if we can get Semenyo this January.
Lammens, Guehi, MdL, Branthwaite, Amad, Anderson, Baleba, Semenyo, Mbeumo, Sesko, Cunha.
Then we look like a powerful, creative, physical strong young team, with leaders all over the pitch.
Height, physicality, pace, and ball playing ability in defence, energy and quality both on and off the ball in midfield, real pace and creativity out wide and a front three that can score and create goals.
We'd still be relying on youth for squad rotation in midfield and defence, so we probably lack the squad depth to challenge across the whole season across all 4 competitions. But the first 11 will be set, and we can add more quality in depth the following summer to really challenge for the title.
This is the reality of where we are. If we are lucky then we finish rebuilding the first 11 next summer, meaning we have a quality first 11 for next season, but will still lack the squad depth required to challenge for the league title. Meaning that our next realistic title challenge will be in 2027/28 season when we've been able to add to the squad depth to be able to sustain a title challenge across the whole season.
To expect title winning form before then is just folly.
21 Dec 2025 14:46:35
Don't agree that it's a stupid idea to play a system to suit the squad you have, surely that's what a manager should do whilst making the changes he deems necessary for his preferred system long term
That said agree with his views/comments on culture and mentality within the club.
It's definitely what's needed at OT more than anything, let's hope he's the man to deliver it.
21 Dec 2025 15:40:47
Nearly all our defenders and midfielders played in a 433 for the club and were poor at that too so i'm not sure what the glamour is and notion that playing in a back 4 will improve things.
I prefer a back 4 but the coach doesn't. So no point looking at it from my perspective.
I try to look at it from his perspective and try to understand it.
He feels it better to play his preferred system with who he has. When he has his 1st 11 that's not been too bad at all but midfield is the biggest issue we need 2 starting players there ASAP to release bruno and replace cas.
Then Increased quality in each other position over the next couple of windows. That's the plan as it appears to me.
21 Dec 2025 20:10:33
I mean that’s probably the most
pragmatic, sensible and rationale post you’ve ever made Ken, and I can’t argue with it.