Amorim’s MU tactics broken down with clear No10 issue and striker dilemma

RUBEN AMORIM promised in his first press conference that we would see 'an idea' of his methods and approach in Ipswich – and it only lasted 81 seconds!

Marcus Rashford may have helped the manager along the way, but there is clearly much more work to do.

Here, Dean Scoggins, host of our brilliant new YouTube show Tactics Exposed, gives a tactical overview of Amorim's first game.

FORMATION CLEAR

As expected, Amorim went for his tried and tested 3-4-3 formation. Rashford led the line with two 'inside forwards' playing around him.

The three defenders were very central defenders and were very structured, especially when playing from the back.

The system relies on a huge amount of running from the full-backs and second midfield.

Perhaps surprisingly, Noussair Mazraoui was chosen in defence, with Diogo Dalot then at left wing-back.

It is clear that this is the system Amorim believes in.

Despite the early goal, there was still a lack of creativity, but he has only been on the training pitch for a week.

Amorim said: “The system is not the concern, everyone is talking about it, but it is the players who understand how they are going to play, not their positions.”

MIDFIELD BATTLE

Amorim started with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in the middle of the field.

Despite clearly being practiced at staying close and working together, they were caught in transition numerous times and seemed to have no legs to play in these roles.

The two experienced players looked unsure whether they were moving behind their attacking players or sitting deep in front of the defense, and Ipswich's best moments in the first half came when those two were neither in front nor behind.

Things looked much more natural when Manuel Ugarte came on and was later assisted by Bruno Fernandes. They worked better as a pair and moved higher to put more pressure on Town's midfield.

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IMPERFECT 10s

The role Amorim wants his 'inside forwards' to play is not quite that of a number 10. But these are the playmakers.

Four players got the chance to be in those positions and none of them really made an impact on the game.

Amorim said his players were 'thinking too much' and it was evident as they had no instinctive view of when to run behind and when to drop deep to receive the ball.

The Portuguese coach likes that these players are 'different' as one is more of a traditional number 10 and the other plays behind.

Garnacho made many runs, but was hardly found. Bruno linked the play well in the early stages, but often touched the ball in deep areas that posed no threat to Ipswich.

Amorim brought Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount into these positions as fresh legs, but with little joy.

It will be these positions that require the most work.

AMAD WORLD

Ivorian winger Amad was moved to a new position as a right wing-back.

Again, Amorim likes to have different player profiles on each side and Amad is the direct runner, while Dalot is more of a traditional full-back, cutting inside from the left full-back on his right foot.

Amad started the match excellently with the great run that put Rashford on goal – and it is this kind of direct running that Amorim likes.

But the intensity waned and Amad spent more time in a traditional right-back position and a lot of time defending rather than attacking.

He had a few bursts in the second half, but it came from far too deep to create clear chances.

HOJLUND v RASHFORD

The number 9 position will be hotly debated. It is clear that this player has to work VERY hard, control the channels and create space for the other attackers around him.

Clearly, Rashford got the dream start, but things went downhill quickly from there and he struggled physically to get back into the game.

The press also looked disorganised, but Amorim has only had a few days on the training pitch.

Hojlund seemed to be a much more natural fit for what Amorim wants. This player needs to get up, be physical with centre-backs and then turn and get into the box for crosses. More of an old-fashioned number 9.