Manchester United confirmed the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the head coach of the club on Friday.
Erik ten Hag’s future was under a huge doubt after the 3-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.
The embarrassing 3-3 draw with FC Porto in the Europa League put more pressure on him.
It was reported that he could be sacked during the October international break but INEOS gave him another opportunity.
The Athletic revealed that United did not have conversations with any other candidate than Amorim.
The Red Devils discussed alternatives but ‘Amorim was top of the list’.
Chief executive Omar Berrada was the main force behind Amorim’s appointment.
The Portuguese head coach has used a three-man defence in each of 188 league and European games at Sporting.
United have predominantly set up a traditional back-four but are likely to play in a 3-4-2-1/ 3-4-3/3 -5-2 formation.
They signed Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro in the summer. Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire are also available.
Casemiro could also be a decent option in the back-three defence.
The United hierarchy are ‘confident’ that Amorim’s formations could map onto the squad.
Diogo Dalot could also benefit from the arrival of his fellow countryman. He has already described him as a ‘perfect match’ for United.
Dalot prefers to run down the flank and support in attack. His defensive qualities have improved over the past two years but he still has the habit of losing his man at the back post.
An additional man in the defence will give him the freedom to get heavily involved in the final third.
While Amorim has achieved remarkable success at Sporting CP, stepping into the managerial hot seat at Manchester United presents an entirely different challenge.
The Portuguese tactician not only needs to master the art of strategy but also must possess the charisma and leadership to navigate the egos of high-profile players in the dressing room.
