Update: Why Gary Neville thinks Ruben Amorim formation is a ‘problem’ at Manchester United News

Man Utd suffered another defeat in the Premier League on Sunday and Ruben Amorim’s formation has been questioned.

Gary Neville believes Ruben Amorim’s formation is a “problem” at Manchester United.

United appointed Amorim from Sporting Lisbon in November and he immediately implemented a new system, switching to a 3-4-2-1 formation.

United did not enjoy a new manager bounce following Amorim’s arrival. They have remained in the bottom half of the Premier League table and some pundits have questioned his formation, given the squad he inherited from Erik ten Hag was not built to play with three at the back.

United signed Ayden Heaven (18) and Patrick Dorgu (20) in the mid-season transfer window, and fans want to see Amorim backed in the summer before making concrete judgements.

Nevertheless, Neville has doubts about Amorim’s system and thinks it is a “problem.”

“They’re not a very good team, simple as that,” said Neville during a broadcast on NBC Sports. “The problem with this group of players is they’re giving it their all. I don’t think there’s a lack of effort. They’re so below the standard and quality you need at that football club all over the pitch.

“Other than (Bruno) Fernandes, Amad maybe, I can’t think of any of them I would hang my hat on. It’s a really desperate situation because the squad is so poor on quality. They’ve got old players, they’ve got young players who are nowhere near it, they have a group in the middle… it’s a worrying situation.”

Neville continued: “The system is a problem. I have asked this question for two months: who are the natural wing-backs, players good enough going forwards who have great energy and players good enough going back? Who are these two players they play behind the striker?

“They need a centre-forward to carry the line – who is that player that is available who would go to Man United? There are seven or eight teams at the top of the league who need a striker. You aren’t going to Man United ahead of Liverpool or Arsenal. There are massive issues.

“Honestly, you don’t know where to start or build the first step from. There’s a serious amount of time required and good recruitment for that club to get right.”

Ten Hag played 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 during his time in Manchester but Amorim prefers 3-4-2-1, and he has not considered changing the team’s shape at any stage, despite the poor results.

United’s league campaign has been written off for a few months now. They will welcome Lyon to Old Trafford in the Europa League on Thursday for a must-win fixture.

If United win the Europa League, they qualify for next season’s Champions League.

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