Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says they need another wing-back like Amad Diallo to improve their system | Soccer News

Ruben Amorim says Manchester United need another attacking wing-back like Amad Diallo to play better in his system.

The United manager has come under fire for refusing to adapt following Monday’s disastrous defeat to Everton 10-a-side at Old Trafford, and his 3-4-2-1 formation is back in the spotlight ahead of Sunday’s away trip to Crystal Palace, who have had success playing in the same format.

Amorim, who was chasing a goal against Everton following Idrissa Gouiller’s red card, naturally replaced left wing-back Patrick Dorgue with full-back Diogo Dalot, leaving United with no attacking threat.

Palace’s attack-minded wing-backs Daniel Muñoz and Tyrick Mitchell have been fundamental to Oliver Glasner’s success, but United only have Amad Diallo who fits that mold, and Amorim admits that needs to change if the team is to improve.

Asked if wing-backs are an area he wants to strengthen, Amorim said: “We need time to improve the characteristics of the team. I’ve been saying that since last year.”

“For example, in the last game (against Everton) we had to play Amad, who is right-footed, in the opposition half against 10 men.

“These are the traits that will make us strive to be a better team over time. We’re not yet if we’re the perfect setup to play this way, but like any team we need time to put the right traits in every position.”

The United manager denied making direct comparisons with Palace ahead of Sunday’s game, but admitted Glasner’s side are currently ahead of Palace in 10th place.

Palace are fifth in the table but are just two points ahead of United, who could move up if they win at Selhast Park.

“We play in a different way, you can understand that if you look at the data. It’s difficult to explain everything. They are a different club and they are doing better than us. It’s very simple.”

“I’m not saying all 4-3-3 teams play the same way. We play in different moments, defend in different spaces and attack in different ways. They just do things better than us.”

Palace have a top wing-back in Daniel Muñoz, and the Colombian international has previously spoken of his desire to play for Manchester United.

Speaking to AS earlier this month, he said: “I think there’s a lot of talk about every club. For me, it would be a dream to play for one of those clubs: Barcelona, ​​Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester United.”

“I think I’m working towards that, I’m trying my best every day so that one day I can catch the attention of these clubs.

“Right now I’m focused on my club and doing well at Crystal Palace. I’m not too conscious of what’s being said. I have no information about whether these teams want me or are interested.”

“We will find out as the winter transfer window approaches.”

Mr. Glasner defends the Amorim star system

Glasner defended Amorim’s system before the game, saying United had seen improvements this season.

“It’s really interesting to talk about the 3-4-3 system. I think United have the best scoring xG in the Premier League,” Glasner said.

“Their team has changed, especially in attack. They needed more goals, so they invested £200m and got three players up front. They also now have players like (Brian) Mbeumo who can play with great intensity.”

“For me, it’s impressive to see this spectacle. We compared it (the last meeting) with their current situation. Their work rate is much higher than last year and I think they are getting rewarded for that.”

Amorim: ‘I have questions to answer’ on wing-back decision

Amorim admits he would have liked to have replaced Dalot with a more attacking player at Everton as there were no other options on the bench, but he still stuck to the same form.

The decision infuriated Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville as co-commentator.

“Reuben Amorim has questions to answer,” he said. “Bringing Dalot in front of Luke Shaw? I don’t get it. Why when there are five people behind him? It’s embarrassing.

“It’s supposed to be like the Alamo, really quick, high-tempo, passing from side to side, getting into wide areas, putting in crosses, getting bodies into the attack, sustaining the attack. United’s is very slow. They don’t have any presence in the box.”

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, also speaking in the Monday Night Football studio, criticized Amorim’s inflexibility.

“I feel like Ruben Amorim is the first manager I’ve ever seen that sticks to a system rather than an idea of ​​how to play,” Carragher said. “The formation feels like his baby and I don’t understand how he can be so stubborn about it and not change it in certain situations like that (against Everton).

“It’s not about losing the three points against Everton. I think it’s one of those moments where people really question the manager. He’s going to take a lot of responsibility.”

Analysis: Amorim’s underperforming wingback

Sky Sports’ Nick Wright, Adam Smith and Oliver Yu:

At Sporting, Amorim’s wing-backs were an essential attacking tool to make his system work. In his last full season in charge in 2023/24, the three most frequently used wing-backs – Nuno Santos, Jenny Katamo and Ricardo Essallo – scored a total of 26 goals or assists in league play alone.

Manchester United’s Amorim wing-back has contributed half the goals or assists in the same number of league games.

Of the 13 goals and assists, 9 goals, around 70%, were attributed to Amad Diallo, with the other players used in this position being Dorg, Daro, Nousser Mazraoui, Harry Amath and Tyrell Malasia, who have scored just 4 goals between them in a total of 67 starts at wing-back.

Amorim’s wing-back struggles raise further questions about his commitment to the system. If they aren’t contributing offensively, what are they really bringing? This is just one of many questions for the much-criticized head coach.