4-3-3 masterstroke: Amorim could unleash dream Man United midifield during AFCON

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim may be on the verge of his most significant tactical rethink since arriving at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese manager has so far remained fiercely loyal to his trademark 3-4-2-1 system, refusing to compromise on his footballing ideology.

That stubborn commitment paid rich dividends during his trophy-laden spell at Sporting CP, where the system became his calling card.

The Athletic has now revealed that the United head coach could soon implement a ground-breaking tactical shift.

Key figures such as Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are fundamental to making Amorim’s preferred shape function smoothly.

Their impending departures for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) threaten to strip United of the balance and dynamism the system relies upon.

As a result, Amorim is reportedly considering a switch to a more traditional 4-3-3 to better suit the personnel at his disposal.

Such a shift could unlock one of the most mouth-watering midfield combinations United fans have been craving.

Casemiro – Mainoo – Fernandes

On paper, Manuel Ugarte is a better holding midfielder than Casemiro, but the on-pitch reality has told a different story.

The Brazilian may no longer possess the legs to press relentlessly, yet his intelligence, positioning and experience have quietly anchored United’s midfield.

Casemiro has shielded the back line effectively while also punching incisive, line-breaking passes through opposition blocks.

Until Ugarte shows a clear and sustained upturn in form, Casemiro’s place in the XI should remain non-negotiable.

A move to a 4-3-3 would finally free Bruno Fernandes to operate closer to goal in his preferred number-10 role.

Fernandes is among the elite playmakers in world football, and pushing him higher could instantly sharpen United’s attacking edge.

Crucially, the system change may also open the door for Kobbie Mainoo to reclaim a meaningful role.

The 20-year-old has yet to start a Premier League game this campaign.

In a three-man midfield, Mainoo could thrive alongside Casemiro, given licence to express himself as an advanced number eight.

The Red Devils have now decided against selling him in January.

They believe that Mainoo has huge potential and could develop into one of the superstars of the game.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .