Most Manchester United players have struggled to adapt to manager Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 tactical system.
This has affected results, particularly in the Premier League, where the club is on course to finish in their lowest position ever this term.
After United’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town on Wednesday evening, former defender Rio Ferdinand named four players who do not fit Amorim’s tactical style.
Ferdinand believes Joshua Zirkee, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Rasmus Hojlund do not fit Amorim’s style, stating that the tactician’s system is not ‘their game’.
However, while Ferdinand is right about Hojlund, he is wide of the mark where the other players are concerned.
Zirkee has struggled to provide the spark United need in the final third but has recently looked lively in the number 10 position.
He can receive the ball on the half-turn, pick a teammate’s run in an attacking position, and occupy dangerous positions.
Zirkzee showed his creative potential for Bologna last season, creating 11 big chances, the seventh-highest in Serie A. He could become one of United’s most creative players under Amorim.
Maguire has also shown he can thrive as the central centre-back in Amorim’s three-man defence.
He looks more comfortable and assured in that position, as he has two other defenders to cover for him. United could stick with him until his contract expires.
De Ligt has also not done poorly under Amorim, playing as the right or left centre-back as required.
He cannot cover large spaces while playing in those positions, so he sometimes looks uncomfortable. He is better suited to playing as the central centre-back.
Maguire, De Ligt and Zirkzee have the ability to flourish under Amorim, and the club should keep them for at least another season.
