'Man Utd haven't got it': Sky Sports pundit identifies missing key factor for Ruben Amorim
Manchester United will have Ruben Amorim as their new head coach after the November international break.
The excitement amplified further following Sporting’s commanding 4-1 victory over Manchester City on Tuesday night.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes Amorim has got ‘good aura’ but he may struggle at United.
He said: “What he has done at Sporting Lisbon to break up the Benfica Porto situation is amazing. But he doesn’t have that personnel at Man United. I think there is so much work needs to be done.
“The hardest position in football is wing-back. You have got to go at one end to cross the ball and then come back to defend. It is a graveyard shift.
“They haven’t got that at Man United. It is going to take time. I think he has that aura about him, not arrogance but a good aura.
Merson is spot-on with his analysis. The Red Devils squad needs major alteration to fit Amorim’s preferred style of play.
The Portuguese manager has played with a back-three in all his league and European games at Sporting.
The significant summer investments in Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt will prove valuable in strengthening the defence.
Despite some concerns about his ability to defend in open spaces, Lisandro Martinez remains a solid option for the left centre-back role.
However, United lack quality and depth at wing-back.
Injury-prone Luke Shaw remains unreliable while Tyrell Malacia has been sidelined for over a year now.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are two senior full-back options available.
Amorim would ideally prefer more wing-back alternatives who can cover large distances swiftly and execute his high-pressing style.
The United hierarchy should start making a wing-back shortlist to target next summer.