Manchester United’s new head coach Ruben Amorim is already facing challenges even before he takes charge of his first match. The recent arrival of the 39-year-old at Old Trafford has brought excitement among the fans, but just days after his appointment, Amorim is wrestling with some injury setbacks to key players. This series of unfortunate events raises questions about how he will implement his tactical strategies, particularly his preferred three-man defense, which he successfully employed during his tenure at Sporting CP.
Since taking the helm from Erik ten Hag, who struggled with player injuries particularly on the left side of the defense, Amorim has the tough task of rebuilding confidence and performance among the squad at United. Ten Hag's time at the club was marked by setbacks, especially with defenders like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia being unavailable for long stretches. Shaw has recently returned to training after being sidelined since February, but Malacia's situation has been more complicated. Only having recently participated with the under-21s after nearly 18 months out recovering from serious knee surgery, his fitness will be closely monitored as Amorim attempts to introduce his style.
Adding to Amorim’s challenge is the injury to Lisandro Martinez, who withdrew from international duty due to another setback. While the details surrounding his issue remain unclear, the severity could create more complications for Amorim as he seeks to finalize his tactical setup. Currently, he is unable to engage fully with his players on the training pitch until his visa is processed, leaving the new head coach at the mercy of the existing squad's readiness.
Fortunately, Amorim has some positive injury updates to grasp onto. Emerging from the treatment room, Leny Yoro might soon return after fracturing his metatarsal during pre-season. The young defender has yet to make his competitive debut for United but could be available for Amorim’s anticipated first match against Ipswich Town on November 24, if all goes well. A similar situation applies to other sidelined players like Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and captain Harry Maguire, who might also be approaching full fitness as the date draws closer.
Yet, Amorim is already faced with the possibility of heading to Ipswich without several players, particularly if Martinez remains unavailable for selection. If this happens, he may have to rely on Matthijs de Ligt, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans—a scenario presenting potential complications. Not only do those defenders carry more experience compared to what Amorim might typically prefer, but their collective age would average out to around 30, starkly contrasting the much younger back three he employed at Sporting, which averaged just 21 years old.
This theoretical back line, should the need arise, emphasizes the importance of adaptability for Amorim. While Evans has quietly emerged as one of United’s standout defenders this season, it remains to be seen how Amorim perceives his capabilities, especially considering his relatively advanced age for the position. Lindelof, now over 30, and the still-adjusting De Ligt will also require strategic management to perform effectively under the pressure of Premier League competition.
The introduction of Amorim’s 3-4-3 system could represent a significant transformation for the club, which last deployed such tactics back in 2021. The strategy demands not only flexibility from defenders but also discipline from midfielders, as this setup typically features wing-backs who need to consistently support both offensive and defensive phases of play. With such high expectations, Amorim's immediate focus on player fitness becomes more imperative than ever.
While stress fractures typically take time to heal, the potential for players like Martinez and Maguire to stay fit presents Amorim with both relief and pressure. He’ll be counting down the days until he can assess the team together physically and mentally, laying out the framework of his coaching philosophy. Each training session will become more precious as he prepares to instill both tactical awareness and player cohesion.
Reflecting on the sense of urgency, it’s easy to see why Amorim might feel the heat. The passionate Manchester United fan base is eager for results, having endured prolonged stretches of frustration. The defensive upheaval from injuries places additional strain on any potential success, particularly with continuous scrutiny from fans and pundits alike affecting every decision made on the training ground.
With the hours ticking away until his initial encounter at Ipswich, Amorim must remain focused on overcoming these obstacles and instilling his tactical vision. United's defenders will undoubtedly need time to adapt to the new formation, but as any fan would attest, outcomes speak volumes. Each passing week builds momentum for the entire club, and Amorim's first impressions—both on the pitch and beyond—will be foundational as they pursue their aspirations together.
