Manchester United's 2-1 victory over West Ham in their pre-season US tour opener offers a glimpse into what Ruben Amorim might be planning for the upcoming season. Bruno Fernandes' pivotal role, highlighted by his two goals, raises crucial questions about his tactical deployment and the team's overall trajectory. But is this just pre-season optimism, or does it signal a genuine shift in United's approach?
Amorim's initial comments suggesting a deeper role for Fernandes were immediately contradicted by his deployment in a number 10 position. This echoes past instances where managers have publicly stated one intention, only to implement something entirely different on the pitch. Remember when Louis van Gaal insisted on playing a rigid 3-5-2, only to eventually revert to a more conventional 4-3-3 due to player limitations and tactical necessities? The data shows a pattern of managers adapting their plans based on available personnel and match circumstances.
Fernandes' performance against West Ham underscores his continued importance. His 19 goals and 19 assists last season are not just numbers; they represent a significant portion of United's attacking output. Amorim's acknowledgement of Fernandes' leadership qualities, both on and off the field, indicates he sees him as central to the team's success. However, the key will be balancing Fernandes' creative freedom with tactical discipline. The risk, as Amorim pointed out, is Fernandes becoming “frustrated and loses a little bit of focus.”
The tactical breakdown of West Ham's goal reveals potential vulnerabilities. Bowen's goal exposed a lack of communication within the United defense, a recurring issue that plagued them last season. Heaven being too close to De Ligt, Dorgu being too far forward, and Mainoo and Collyer's failure to track Soucek’s run highlights a systemic problem that needs addressing. This lack of cohesion is reminiscent of the defensive instability that cost United valuable points under previous managers. Strengthening defensive communication and coordination will be crucial for a successful season.
Rasmus Hojlund's early chance, hitting the post after a strong run, provides a tantalizing glimpse of his potential. However, one pre-season opportunity doesn't answer the striker question that has lingered over United for years. Can Hojlund consistently deliver goals and provide the focal point United desperately needs? This remains to be seen.
Looking ahead, Manchester United's next match against Bournemouth offers another opportunity to assess Amorim's tactical preferences and player combinations. The introduction of Bryan Mbeumo could provide further insights into his plans for the attacking line-up. Over the next three weeks, leading up to the Premier League opener against Arsenal, Amorim will need to fine-tune his tactics, solidify his defensive structure, and ensure his key players are firing on all cylinders. By late August, we should have a much clearer picture of whether Manchester United is on track for a successful season, or if they are destined for another year of inconsistency and unfulfilled potential. The initial tactical flexibility and defensive communication witnessed will provide an indication of the degree of development to come.
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