Ruben Amorim will make his debut as Manchester United manager against Ipswich Town next weekend.
In the midst of the preparations, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards expressed his views on Amorim’s playing style which he called simple but effective.
However, Richards believes Amorim’s strategy will only be optimal if United bring in a striker like Viktor Gyokeres.
Richards, along with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, discussed Amorim’s tactical approach which he witnessed when Sporting Lisbon destroyed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League.
According to Richards, Amorim relies on flexibility in formation and aggressive pressing.
“He often changes formation, from three defenders to five, then four. In midfield, his players are ready to press high,” said Richards.
“When playing against a team like City who have the ball, they defend in a low block with five defenders. But when they press, they are aggressive and brave.”
Richards praised how Amorim was able to combine simple strategy with solid execution.
However, he also highlighted that Amorim’s success at Sporting was inseparable from the role of Gyokeres, who was the mainstay of the front line with his sharpness and physical ability.
According to Richards, for Amorim’s tactical plans to be effective at United, the team needed a striker like Gyokeres.
The Swede has been outstanding under Amorim at Sporting, including scoring a hat-trick against City.
Richards believes Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee—United’s two main strikers at the moment—do not have the same attributes as Gyokeres.
“If I were United, I would buy him tomorrow,” said Richards.
“They have Hojlund and Zirkzee, but they drop back too much to receive the ball.”
However, there is optimism that Amorim can get the most out of Hojlund and Zirkzee, just as he did with Gyokeres.
However, their performances this season have been inconsistent. Hojlund, while promising, is still adapting, while Zirkzee is struggling to end his goal drought.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, a big decision lies in United’s hands. Will they stick with their current squad or bring in Gyokeres to provide a fresh option up front?
