Manchester United’s Struggle in a Tough Season
Manchester United are looking to salvage their disappointing season by lifting the FA Cup, but they must first overcome Fulham in the fifth round on Sunday. Despite a thrilling 3-2 victory over Ipswich earlier in the week, even with a man down, the Red Devils continue to underwhelm in many aspects. The young, talented Portuguese manager, Ruben Amorim, has introduced a 3-4-3 system that, while successful at Sporting Lisbon, has not yet clicked in England. The Cottagers, under Marco Silva, have quietly had a solid season, sitting comfortably in the top half of the Premier League table, making them a formidable opponent for United. In this edition of Tactics Exposed, we delve into why Amorim’s system is struggling and how United can potentially turn things around.
Why is Amorim’s 3-4-3 System Failing?
Amorim’s 3-4-3 system was highly effective at Sporting Lisbon, leading to two Portuguese titles and numerous accolades. However, the transition to the Premier League has proven challenging. One primary reason is the lack of familiarity among the players with this system. Only Manuel Ugarte, Harry Maguire, and to some extent Matthijs de Ligt, have experience with it. The absence of specialized wing-backs and central midfielders exacerbates the issue. Before signing Patrick Dorgu, United had no dedicated wing-backs, and players like Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho did not fit the role well. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, while capable, lack the speed and agility required to excel in these positions.
Moreover, the system demands a high level of trust and discipline from the players. At Sporting, Amorim could rely on his team to execute his tactical plan against generally inferior opposition. In the Premier League, however, the intensity and quality of opponents are significantly higher, and the margin for error is much smaller. Players often find themselves isolated or out of position, leading to defensive vulnerabilities and disrupted attacks. For instance, during the Ipswich match, Ugarte frequently moved out to the right wing-back to win the ball, but with the wing-back already wide, it left the opposition with numerical advantages. Fulham, aware of these issues, will likely exploit them by blocking passing lanes and outnumbering United in key areas.
Bruno Fernandes: A Double-Edged Sword
Bruno Fernandes continues to be a key figure for Manchester United, but his role as the club captain has led to a nuanced debate. Statistically, Fernandes is performing well, with six goals and seven assists in the Premier League and 23 goal contributions across 39 games this season. However, as Roy Keane’s recent outburst against Ian Wright indicates, there’s more to the story than just numbers.
Fernandes is taking on too much responsibility, disrupting Amorim’s rigid system. He is often seen drifting into various positions on the pitch, a phenomenon we can label as "Steven Gerrard syndrome," where he tries to do everything, often losing balance and leaving his team vulnerable. This has particularly been evident in his recent shift to the left-sided midfield role in the central pivot. While his proactive approach means he gets the ball often, it can create overloads that favor the opposition. For example, in the Ipswich match, Fernandes frequently moved into the back three, creating a four-man defense and allowing the opposition more space in attacking areas.
To fix this, Fernandes needs to trust his teammates more and allow them to take on more responsibility. The players around him also need to step up and perform at a level that justifies his trust. United’s front line and wing-backs must play with more courage and precision, ensuring that Fernandes can focus on his core duties without overextending himself. Balancing discipline and creativity is crucial, and if Fernandes can achieve this, the system might start to work more smoothly.
Rasmus Hojlund’s Struggles
Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United’s young striker, has found himself in a difficult position this season. Despite his profile as a big, quick player who is a handful for defenders, the 22-year-old has not been able to deliver the goals United desperately need. Hojlund’s last Premier League goal came on December 7, over 13 games ago, and he often appears isolated in the box, facing a quartet of defenders.
His efforts are commendable, with numerous runs into channels and along the defensive line, but he simply isn’t receiving the ball in dangerous areas. The lack of a dedicated No10 and the inconsistency of United’s wing-backs have significantly hampered his service. Hojlund looks like a broken man, burdened by the lack of confidence and the immense pressure to perform. To help him regain form, United might need to consider bringing in another striker who can either play alongside him or take some of the pressure off him. This new addition could provide the support and competition needed to revitalize Hojlund’s game and ensure he is not overworked and isolated.
Fulham’s Tactical Superiority
Fulham, under Marco Silva, has shown tactical flexibility and prowess that could pose a significant threat to Manchester United. In their recent 2-1 win against Wolves, the Cottagers demonstrated the effectiveness of Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. Both goals came from textbook moves that highlight the strengths of this formation. The first goal saw Rodrigo Muniz battle off two defenders to lay the ball off to an attacking midfielder, who then played it to the wing-back Ryan Sessegnon for a clinical finish. The second goal involved a wide pass and a diagonal run by Muniz, perfectly executed to create a scoring opportunity.
This level of coordination and tactical understanding is precisely what Manchester United lacks. Fulham’s ability to match United’s system and potentially outplay them in key areas is a cause for concern. The Cottagers have shown they can defend well in a 4-4-2 shape and transition smoothly to an attacking 3-4-3. United must be wary of Müñiz’s effectiveness in tight spaces and the wing-backs’ ability to support the attack. If Amorim can make the necessary adjustments to ensure better positional discipline and creativity, United might stand a chance. However, if they continue to be disjointed and overworked, Fulham could well exploit these weaknesses and advance to the next round of the FA Cup.
The Importance of Trust and Discipline
The success of Amorim’s 3-4-3 system hinges on two critical factors: trust and discipline. As mentioned earlier, players at Sporting Lisbon were well-versed in this system and could execute it with a high degree of trust and coordination. In contrast, Manchester United’s players are still adapting, and the lack of trust is evident. When players move out of their positions, it creates overloads that benefit the opposition rather than United.
To address this, Amorim needs to foster a culture of trust and discipline within the team. This involves clearer communication and a more structured approach to training. Players must understand their roles and be confident in their teammates’ ability to perform. For instance, if the left-sided midfielder stays disciplined and occupies his area, it can open up passing lanes and create the overloads the system is designed to generate. Conversely, if players continue to freeload, the system will remain chaotic and ineffective. Building trust and ensuring positional discipline are essential steps for United to improve their performance and make this system work.
Looking Ahead: Manchester United’s FA Cup Challenge
Manchester United’s upcoming FA Cup match against Fulham is a pivotal moment for the club. Winning this trophy could provide a much-needed silver lining in an otherwise disappointing season. However, to achieve this, United must address their tactical and personnel issues. Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, while theoretically sound, requires a more disciplined and cohesive execution. Key players like Bruno Fernandes need to trust their teammates and avoid overextending themselves, while Rasmus Hojlund will benefit from better support and a more consistent supply of quality balls.
Fulham presents a formidable challenge, not only because of their tactical flexibility but also because of the confidence they have shown this season. United must be prepared to face a well-organized and tactically astute team. A win on Sunday would not only boost United’s morale but also validate Amorim’s system and his leadership. The Red Devils have the talent to compete, but they need to work together and execute their game plan with precision. If they can do that, they might just find the path to FA Cup glory and a much-needed lift in their overall performance.
