Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, made a significant tactical shift last night, deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation against Newcastle. This marked a departure from the 3-4-3 system he’d staunchly favored since arriving at Old Trafford, a setup that had proven successful during his time with Sporting Lisbon.
The decision to alter the formation came after a period of scrutiny. Critics questioned whether Amorim’s preferred system truly maximized the potential of his current United squad. The question on everyone’s mind was: how would the team respond to a more traditional back four?
Manchester United secured a 1-0 victory, thanks to a well-struck goal from Patrick Dorgu, a result they failed to achieve in the corresponding fixture last season. However, the win wasn’t a display of dominance, and the underlying statistics painted a more complex picture.
Newcastle controlled possession with 66.6% of the ball and registered more shots overall (16 to United’s 9). Despite their attacking pressure, Newcastle struggled to create clear-cut chances, with both teams finishing with an expected goals (xG) value of 1.2.
The change in formation did yield one notable positive: United secured only their second clean sheet of the season. While not a spectacular performance, a solid defensive foundation is a valuable asset, and the back four received high ratings from statistical analysis.
Adding to the complexity of the situation was the absence of Bruno Fernandes, a pivotal figure in Amorim’s system. The Portuguese midfielder’s influence extends beyond goals and assists; he provides crucial quality and control in the heart of the team.
United’s record without Fernandes is historically poor, having previously gone without a win in games he didn’t play since March 2022. This latest victory broke a concerning trend, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.
Drawing definitive conclusions from a single game is difficult. The tactical shift presents both potential benefits and drawbacks. While possession was at a season low, United have previously dominated possession without securing results.
With Fernandes sidelined, a more pragmatic approach focused on defensive solidity may be the most realistic path to consistent results. Amorim, a manager focused on achieving positive outcomes, may find this a necessary adjustment during a challenging period.
