Amorim Signals Tactical Shift As United Consider Back Four And January Moves

‎Ruben Amorim has admitted for the first time that Manchester United could switch to a back four in the future, having used a 3-4-3 system in all 59 of his matches as head coach.

‎He again employed the shape in Monday’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford, with wing-backs dropping into a five-man defence.

‎The structure became a four when United attacked, as Amad Diallo moved into midfield from right-back. Amorim has nevertheless faced criticism for a perceived lack of tactical flexibility.

‎With Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui both away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Côte d’Ivoire and Morocco, Amorim acknowledged the need to adapt. When asked about Tyrell Malacia, he confirmed he is prepared to deploy a four-man defence if required.

‎“It will depend on the way we are playing that particular week. But if we have to change to a back four, we change to a back four,” said Amorim, who joked in recognition of what he admitted.

‎“I was saving this one for the last [comment].”

‎Amorim hopes to sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in the January window. While the 25-year-old has a release clause for slightly less than £65m and currently prefers to join Liverpool, Amorim is also targeting Rúben Neves, Conor Gallagher, and Tyler Adams to strengthen the No. 6 position.

‎The head coach stated there is funding to add to the squad.

‎“We’ll see,” Amorim said.

‎“The only thing that we know is that we will only try to bring players that we think are going to be for the future. It’s not going to be to save something at this moment, to cope with the losses of three players for Afcon [Bryan Mbeumo is also at the tournament].

‎“It’s not going to be like that. We will try to bring in now, and at the end of the season, players who are perfect for our future.

‎”So I don’t know what is going to happen, but it’s possible that we can do something. Even if we try to bring one player, maybe it’s not the position that is [the one] that we need [even] more.”

‎The last comment may refer to Amorim wishing to add a holding midfielder but not being able to sign the requisite one next month.

‎Al-Hilal’s Rúben Neves, who is out of contract in the summer, is valued at around £20m, although he could yet sign a new deal with the Saudi club. His reported £350,000-a-week salary is also viewed as a significant obstacle.

‎Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher would cost between €40m and €50m (£29m–£37m), but while Atlético are pushing for a sale, Manchester United would prefer a loan.

‎Any move for Bournemouth’s Adams, who suffered a knee injury in Monday’s draw with United, is likely to fetch around £40m and is almost certain to occur in the summer.