Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim insists he is not wedded to a single tactical idea, responding directly to supporters who believe he is too rigid with his structure. The Portuguese coach appeared as the first guest on DAZN Portugal’s new Q&A show on YouTube, where fans were invited to ask unfiltered questions.
One supporter pressed Amorim on whether he planned to revive the “mobile attack” that defined his early Sporting sides — a fluid front line with no fixed striker, constant rotation, and the possibility of Bryan Mbuemo drifting into central areas.
Amorim confirmed that United have already experimented with something similar, pointing to the recent match against Liverpool where Matheus Cunha played as a fluid central presence rather than a conventional No.9.
Amorim: “People think I’m fixated… but I just start from a base”
Addressing suggestions that he is too attached to certain systems, Amorim was firm in his rebuttal:
“I’m open to everything. People think I’m fixated on one idea, but I simply start from a base.”
He stressed that in modern football, formations are only temporary snapshots:
“We can say it’s a ‘4-4-2’, but five minutes later it’s a ‘4-3-3’ or a ‘3-4-3’. That fluidity is normal, especially in the Premier League.”
For Amorim, shape-shifting is not optional — it is fundamental to today’s game.
Why Mbuemo still starts wide (and why that could change)
The United boss also explained why Bryan Mbuemo has remained primarily a wide attacker since joining:
- Mbuemo likes to “stay hidden” before exploding into space
- His threat increases when he can attack from out-to-in
- His pace is especially dangerous in transitions from the flank
However, Amorim didn’t rule out using him centrally: The winger’s speed and timing make him a legitimate option for a rotating front line.
The message was clear: nothing is off the table.
“Mobile” attack remains part of the plan
While refusing to commit to when the system might return, Amorim made it clear the concept remains part of his tactical repertoire:
- No fixed striker
- Rotating front three
- Possession-based fluidity
- Transition-heavy roles for wingers moving inside
United have used elements of this in flashes, but Amorim says he will only return to the full version “when the moment is right.”
Our View: Amorim’s flexibility is misunderstood — and underappreciated
Having analysed Amorim’s coaching evolution from Braga to Sporting to United, his tactical flexibility has always been a core strength. In our view, the perception that he is “system-obsessed” stems from his clear coaching identity — not from actual rigidity.
Although some critics believe he refuses to adapt, other indications point differently: United have already switched between box midfields, false-nine setups, and hybrid pressing structures this season. This seems optimistic for a squad still in transition, but Amorim’s track record shows he evolves quickly once he has the right profiles.
From experience covering tactical managers across the Premier League, communication style often shapes public perception. Amorim sounds principled — which fans mistake for stubborn. But his game models are more fluid than most realise.
Key Insights
- Amorim rejects claims he is “fixated” on a single Manchester United system.
- He confirms United tried a mobile front line vs Liverpool with Cunha.
- Bryan Mbuemo stays wide because he “hurts teams more” from those zones.
- Amorim still views a striker-less rotating attack as a viable future option.
- Fluid formations remain central to his approach in the Premier League.
What’s Next
United’s attacking shape may evolve again over the next month, especially with fixture congestion pushing Amorim to rotate and repurpose several forwards. Whether the “mobile attack” returns soon will depend on form, fitness and opposition.
👉 United fans — would you prefer a striker-less rotating attack, or keep a fixed No.9 in the system?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 25 Nov 2025 21:59
The most stubborn manager I’ve ever seen… stunning how fascinated he’s with his tactics
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