After ten games into the 2025-26 Premier League season, Manchester United is beginning to take shape under manager Ruben Amorim.
Amorim’s Tactical Adjustments
Utilizing his familiar 3-4-3 formation, Amorim has made several tactical tweaks that have allowed the team to adopt a quicker and more direct style of play. “I don’t think we need to always build from the back,” he remarked prior to the recent 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Possession Statistics
Analysis shows that United have recorded better Premier League results under Amorim when they have less possession of the ball. Historically, even before his arrival in November 2024, United tended to perform better in matches when they were not the dominant side in possession.
Amorim’s Game Philosophy
In a recent press conference, Amorim described his strategy: “We aim to create space for goals. It’s about numbers, and if I have the advantage, I’ll try to score within two passes.” His approach emphasizes opportunistic scoring rather than an over-reliance on possession.
Direct Play and Game Control
Amorim’s philosophy focuses on quick scoring to set the rhythm of the match. He is keen to utilize his players’ strengths and emphasizes efficient movement to capitalize on the opponent’s vulnerabilities.
Challenges Ahead
Despite improvements, previous United managers have struggled with breaking down deep defenses. Amorim acknowledges this issue and is aware that the team will need to evolve its game to dominate possession effectively as the season progresses.
Looking Forward
As the season unfolds, United are likely to continue refining their direct approach before learning to maintain possession better. With a strong squad and upcoming fixtures that should allow for continued improvement, they are on a promising path, though challenges lie ahead, such as player departures for international duties.
