Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel:
“From what I’m hearing, the first indication from Ruben Amorim to Man Utd directors is, ‘we need to bring players with intensity.’
These were crucial words he mentioned in the opening talks and meetings he had with United" via The United Stand.
New manager Ruben Amorim has a distinct style of play and one that has a significance on intensity.
Not only is his 3-4-3 system something new that has never been seen at the club before, the players will have to get used to playing in a way where a lot of work and running power is required.
These aren’t necessarily things these players like. New and unfamiliar style of play? A lot of running? That’s the last thing they want. Well, at least that is the feeling they give off considering how little we run and some of the crazy excuses that has come out over the years when it comes to pushing players too hard and that the manager needs to take it easy.
But that is not the Amorim way. He’s very much focused on pushing his players to the limit.
So while he can’t actually bring in new signings at this point (although the January window isn’t far off but what’s the chances that we do major business?), which of the current squad has the capabilities to keep up with these intensity demands?
Goalkeepers
All of Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton should be fine. They’re goalkeepers after all but they will need to be good on the ball, another aspect of Amorim’s style that is of vital importance.
Defence
I can only pick out a handful of players that tick the intensity box but also the ability to play ball, IYKWIM.
Noussair Mazraoui. I think he’s one of the few that ticks all the boxes. He’s been our best player this season.
I feel like our two main centre-backs Matthijs De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are players who can fit into Amorim's intense style and so does Diogo Dalot who while at the moment he may not be performing too well, one cannot deny that he is one of the most intense and fit players in the squad.
It remains to be seen what Leny Yoro can do as he is a new signing but has been injured all campaign however his return is coming soon.
Midfield
Bruno Fernandes is similar to Portuguese counterpart Dalot in that performance wise, the captain has been lacking somewhat however, there has been an upturn in the Magnifico's form since Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge. In these four games, Bruno has 4 goals and 2 assists and has seen an upturn in his general performances. But that intensity from the skipper is unquestionable. He should be fine.
Manuel Ugarte should absolutely be at home under Amorim as he was the manager who basically made the Uruguayan. Ugarte's performance against Leicester was also his best for the club displaying exactly what he's all about. Amorim will definitely know how to get the best out of him.
Kobbie Mainoo is another whom I'd say has more of a chance in Amorim's style than not but we need to see how he is once he returns from injury.
Forwards
Rasmus Hojlund is a player I believe has the intensity but ability at the moment, is not quite there. I would give him a chance though.
Joshua Zirkzee falls under the category of Yoro as he too is a young player and new signing even if he hasn't been injured like the Frenchman. But unlike Ugarte, who played for Amorim, and De Ligt and Mazraoui who are very experienced and top quality players, Zirkzee is just starting out nor has had any priors with Amorim. I would give him some leeway.
Amad is one that I feel is more in the category of Mazraoui: a player who ticks all the boxes. His ability on the ball as we've seen is pretty damn good and his work rate is off the charts. This is super important because he is a player who plays out wide and considering Amorim uses wingers as the 'wing-backs instead of full-backs, players like Amad will need to play at their absolute best if they want a chance in the new manager's system. That he is.
I obviously didn't mention all the players because not all of them are players that I believe do tick the boxes in one aspect of Amorim's style or another, but the intensity that he will want from his team is nothing that these players have seen before and having not displayed that willingness to perform under such conditions with previous managers, there's nothing to suggest that they will now.
This doesn't mean that those not mentioned can't work in this 3-4-3 intense style, but rather that they are less likely than the rest.
Which players do you think will work under Amorim both in terms of quality and intensity?
Background Image: Ruben Amorim | Creator: Gualter Fatia | Credit: Getty Images via SuperSport
Manuel Ugarte, Alejandro Garnacho, Noussair Mazraoui and Bruno Fernandes via Manchester United official X (@ManUtd)