It is not easy being a Manchester United player these days.
The Red Devils are once again in the bottom half of the table after collecting a solitary point from their two matches so far this season in the Premier League. Not to mention that they finished 14th last time around and are nowhere near playing in any European competition this season.
Manchester United have made three key acquisitions under Ruben Amorim this summer, and this team can now be called pretty much the Portuguese’s own, as we also have to include Patrick Dorgu, who was signed last January, in the list.
Still, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko promise to change the way Manchester United will play their attacking game this season.
Manchester United Attackers Should Indulge in High-Press
Manchester United continue to play in the 3-4-2-1 formation Amorim has a special liking for, with Cunha and Mbeumo playing behind Sesko in the second half against both Arsenal and Fulham.
However, that also means dropping Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes further down for them to fend as defensive midfielders, which is not their speciality at all as players.
Against Fulham, it proved to be counter-productive, as it made United vulnerable against the Londoners’ attacks. It also stopped Bruno Fernandes, so often United’s talisman in the past, from venturing forward into the opposition half to play as the No. 10.
Manchester United thus continue to be vulnerable to quick build-ups from their opponents, especially when a move ends with their three attackers as well as two wing-backs high up on the pitch.
It means that they have their back-three and two makeshift holding midfielders to defend against their opponents’ attacks. It is by no means an ideal scenario for the Red Devils.
In such a situation, if Amorim decides to persist with the current formation, he has to make sure that his front-three press for the ball immediately after losing possession inside the final third. That can only ease the pressure on the holding midfielders considerably.
One also has to consider that if Bruno is taking part in the attack as well, United will only have their back-three plus Casemiro/Mount/Manuel Ugarte to defend against the attacks.
Hence, the Red Devils simply cannot afford to let their attackers be relaxed while defending. They have to keep pressure on the defensive players of the opposition to thwart their moves inside the opposition half itself.
Employing a high press will allow United’s defensive line to go high as well, which means that there will be less distance for the two holding midfielders to cover. It will enable United’s defence to be more compact.
Now it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils decide to implement the above strategy in their future matches.
United will lock horns with their city rivals, Manchester City, next month. Prior to that, they will play newly promoted Burnley – a match they should be able to win at home.
Amorim’s record in the Premier League is atrocious for a Manchester United manager. He should turn things around quickly for his own good.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
Recording Date: 24.08.2025