Although Manchester United has not tasted victory in five consecutive matches across all competitions, the team has recently shown clear signs of a state recovery. Whether it's from the players' spirit and fighting spirit or tactical operations, their progress and improvement are very significant. In the eyes of outsiders, it seems that Amorim has found the "key" to activate the team. It is believed that if Manchester United can complete one or two top-level signings in this transfer window, they have the potential to make a comeback in the second half of the season and return to where they should be.
The "Amorim Tactics" are gradually taking shape. From recent performances, Amorim's tactical ideas have begun to emerge at Manchester United. Especially during transitions from attack to defense, the team places great emphasis on high pressing. Players such as Bruno Fernandes and Ho Yuren will rush to pressure the opponent's ball carrier and block their passing lines in the first instance. This tactical arrangement has won valuable time for the defensive setup in the midfield and backline. One reason Rashford was previously "sent to the cold bench" was his lackadaisical defensive attitude. After the opponent enters their own 30-meter defensive zone, the positioning of Manchester United players becomes more compact, and the formation's integrity is better than before. This defensive system effectively improves the team's defensive efficiency.
Meanwhile, the outstanding performance of key players has become the "catalyst" for the team. The most representative is Bruno Fernandes. For a long time, Bruno Fernandes, as the core of the team's offense, has been under heavy pressure. On the one hand, with the team's poor record, he, as the star player, cannot escape blame; on the other hand, his personal performance has also been average, criticized for losing possession too often and complaining about his teammates. However, at present, Bruno Fernandes has undergone a transformative change. He maximizes his advantage of active tackling, and his creativity and accuracy in the final pass have significantly improved. It can be foreseen that in the second half of the season, Bruno Fernandes will be the most relied-upon tactical piece by Amorim.
In terms of the lineup, there are obvious needs for reinforcements in two to three positions. First is the left-back position. Since Amorim took over the team, Manchester United has consistently used a three-at-the-back tactical system. Due to Luke Shaw's prolonged illness and Malacia's inability to perform well, Amorim has mostly let Dalot play as a left-wingback in most games. However, the performance of this Portuguese international has not been ideal, failing to meet expectations on both offense and defense. In this situation, Amorin requires the team to sign a genuine left-sided player.
According to Florian Plettenberg, a transfer expert from Sky Sports, Manchester United is working hard to operate the transfer of Nuno Mendes, and Amorim has chosen to sign this Parisian wing. This 22-year-old left-back has performed outstandingly this season, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist in 9 league games, with an average rating of 7.3 points, ranking second among all players in the same position in the league. Nuno Mendes' contract has 1.5 seasons left, and with the renewal negotiations at an impasse, he himself is very inclined to leave. It is reported that if Manchester United can offer about 50 million euros, they are expected to bring him to Old Trafford.
At the center forward position, the shortcomings in scoring ability of Ho Yuren and Zirkze this season have become apparent, becoming an important factor restricting Manchester United from further progress. The signing of a center forward has become imperative. According to Nigerian media Business Day, Osimhen is very hopeful of joining Manchester United's red jersey in this transfer window. After communication between Manchester United's recruitment team and him, this striker with a breach of contract worth 90 million has officially agreed to join Manchester United. It is judged that Napoli is expected to lower the asking price for the transfer fee, and both sides are likely to reach an agreement at around 75 million euros. (Pictures come from the Internet. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete them.)