Bruno Fernandes injury: What are Manchester United’s options?
Since Amorim’s arrival he has tried to ensure United play his unique system and has rarely strayed from his philosophy.
Taking a systems-first approach, Amorim looks for specific qualities in his players at each position and asks them to adapt to what he wants, rather than changing his system to suit the players at his disposal.
Looking at his system and what he wants from his midfielders can help explain how he will fare over the next few months.
Amorim prefers a 3-2-4-1 formation that does not rely on majority possession.
Amorim was considering a short build-up at the start of his tenure, but to his credit he preferred to play long spells more often than goalkeeper; This suits the players he has. This requires players to be able to go the distance and win second balls.
He is also called upon to perform passing routines and his playing patterns often result in United’s midfielders playing the ball over the top for attacking players running in behind.
Therefore, the midfield duo must be able to fulfill these instructions.
Amorim’s preferred midfield duo, Casemiro and Fernandes, give clues about what he wants from his midfielders.
Casemiro’s role is more rigid positionally; He screens the defence, breaks up play and moves up and down the field to close the distance between defense and attack when the ball is played for long periods of time.
Fernandes is allowed to contribute in attack, but like Casemiro he has the ability to run up and down the pitch and drop back into defense when necessary.
Both players tend to pass directly to attackers running in behind and take a few touches in midfield; This also fits into Amorim’s tactical plan.
Therefore, other midfield options need to fit Casemiro or Fernandes’ roles; Ugarte is the most likely replacement for Casemiro, while Mount, Martinez and Mainoo have the quality to do Fernandes’ job.
Given the constraints of the Africa Cup of Nations and United’s injuries, Amorim’s other option is to make changes to his system.
It’s not something he’s yet done at Old Trafford, but when asked about the wing-back shortage he hinted he might do it, saying “depending on the way we play that week, if we have to change with a back four, we’ll switch with a back four.”
The absence of a midfielder could equally force his hand.
If United go four at the back, with three in midfield, Mainoo would be the obvious player to benefit.
The Englishman has struggled to displace Casemiro or Fernandes, given the specific tactical demands Amorim makes in this system. And the United boss believes Mainoo’s strengths and weaknesses are better suited to a midfield trio.
“The problem is that we are playing with two people” [midfielders] “And you see Kobbie in a different way than I do,” he said.
“Maybe if you play with three midfielders, not just two. But with three midfielders, Kobbie will have more minutes.”
