Erik ten Hag's inability to implement a discernible style of play at Manchester United was one of his biggest problems, so it is hardly surprising that, in Ruben Amorim , the club have chosen a manager with a clear identity as the Dutchman's successor. Across a four-year spell at Sporting, during which he has won two Portuguese league titles and two league cups - having previously won the league cup with Braga - the 39-year-old put a stamp on the side which has remained consistent despite player turnover. Amorim's Sporting are characterised by a short-passing possession game, a three-at-the-back set-up and an aggressive pressing system facilitated by a high defensive line.
But as he prepares to take the reins at Old Trafford, how will his methods translate at Manchester United. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Back three and Martinez importance It appears unlikely that Amorim will deviate from a back three given he has deployed the system in all 188 league and European games at Sporting. According to Opta, his most common starting formation is 3-4-2-1, ahead of 3-4-3, with 3-5-2 the only other used.
Trending It will take some getting used to for his new players. Under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United started almost 90 per cent of league and European games in a 4-2-3-1 shape. They did not start a single game in those competitions using a back three, according to Opta.
Matthijs de Ligt is the most likely option to line up in the centre of Amorim's bac.