We have the strongest and most balanced squad post-Fergie

[bosnian_red]

Good breakdown but Amorim plays inverted wing backs at Sporting so can't see both sides being on their dominant footed side. Garnacho for instance more likely to play LWB than RWB

Just flipping through random game lineups, and it just seems like all his wing backs this season are left footed, so not so much by design. If you go to last season games he had plenty of games with a right footer on the right side, left footer on the left side. Also going off of what the guys from Tifo talked about, seemed to be that their job was to hold the width so naturally you'd have a right footer on the right, left footer on the left. The 10's seemed consistently inverted though, where possible.

 

[P-Nut]

Just flipping through random game lineups, and it just seems like all his wing backs this season are left footed, so not so much by design. If you go to last season games he had plenty of games with a right footer on the right side, left footer on the left side. Also going off of what the guys from Tifo talked about, seemed to be that their job was to hold the width so naturally you'd have a right footer on the right, left footer on the left. The 10's seemed consistently inverted though, where possible.

I'm going from what Sporting fans on here have stated. He likes someone 2 footed one at least 1 side, and an inverted on the other.

Either way I do think there's a few players that don't have clearly transferrable roles. Mainoo, Bruno, Garnacho and Rashford don't just transfer so easily

 

[Klipspringer]

I'm going from what Sporting fans on here have stated. He likes someone 2 footed one at least 1 side, and an inverted on the other.

Either way I do think there's a few players that don't have clearly transferrable roles. Mainoo, Bruno, Garnacho and Rashford don't just transfer so easily

Sorry what do you mean by 'an inverted on the other' ?

 

[Rams]

I think Mazraoui (in particular) & De Ligt have done well and have added depth, they have improved the squad. De Ligt has been treated unfairly by the media, but apart from a couple of tricky & unfortunate moments (which all defenders will have during the course of a season) he’s been a stabilizing factor at the back, shows leadership on the pitch, and is comfortable on the ball. Mazraoui has been our most consistent outfield player this season imo. He’s been a real find for us. Even Ugarte is slowly getting up to pace recently and is gaining confidence. I feel there’s a player there.
So despite the struggles so far this season, mainly caused by a misfiring attack, I think the balance of the squad is far better than it has been, I feel there’s definitely something there for the new manager to work with already despite what the media is claiming about the signings this summer.

 

[RedFanaticTattooist]

Onana
Yoro - De Ligt - Martinez
Mazraoui - Ugarte - Bruno - Dalot
Amad - Mainoo
Rashford

This team would definitely good for 7-8th finish which is better than the current 13th, but with the clueless Rashford upfront we wouldn't score 50 goals a season.

 

[bosnian_red]

This team would definitely good for 7-8th finish which is better than the current 13th, but with the clueless Rashford upfront we wouldn't score 50 goals a season.

The CF "is what it is". I probably have more faith in Rashford being a poacher than Hojlund to be honest. The rest I do like the balance though. Mainoo and Amad in the tight spaces between the attack and midfield I think would be a really tough pair to deal with for the opposition

 

[Borys]

I'm going from what Sporting fans on here have stated. He likes someone 2 footed one at least 1 side, and an inverted on the other.

Either way I do think there's a few players that don't have clearly transferrable roles. Mainoo, Bruno, Garnacho and Rashford don't just transfer so easily

Rashford role is just as transferable as Hojlund. Both of them will be making runs in behind and... That's pretty much it. Rashford can occasionally whip a cross in, but that leaves us a man short at CF, and not sure if that's what Amorim is OK with.

Strange comment about Mainoo and Bruno. I thought they both, along with Dalot and Mazraoui, are this biggest winners. Maybe Amad as well as he seems more suited to more central role.

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

The CF "is what it is". I probably have more faith in Rashford being a poacher than Hojlund to be honest. The rest I do like the balance though. Mainoo and Amad in the tight spaces between the attack and midfield I think would be a really tough pair to deal with for the opposition

Yeah I think people are underrating the overall quality of the squad simply because there isn't enough goal threat in it. If Amorim is as good of a coach as the past evidence suggests, I think we could see some huge improvement and steps forward this year.

Biggest issue so far is the attack though, namely Zirkzee/Hojlund/Rashford. Zirkzee seems reluctant to even attept to score goals most games, Hojlund has regressed in his general play and effect on games, and Rashford looks borderline washed up in many games. One of those 3 will have to turn it around and really contribute if we are to threaten for trophies and top 4 I'd guess, becaues while Garnacho/Amad/Bruno will be solid enough secondary contributors I don't think any of them are at the point where they can carry the goal scoring load for long stretches at a time. We need Rashford or one of the strikers to catch fire.

 

[dutchred]

Onana
Yoro - De Ligt - Martinez
Mazraoui - Ugarte - Bruno - Garnacho
Amad - Mainoo
Biancheri

 

[The Irish Connection]

I think we’re a left wing back, an excellent passing midfielder, a wide forward and a 25 goal a season striker away from being right in contention. Of course you’d hope Amorim can make a difference without any signings too.

 

[bosnian_red]

Yeah I think people are underrating the overall quality of the squad simply because there isn't enough goal threat in it. If Amorim is as good of a coach as the past evidence suggests, I think we could see some huge improvement and steps forward this year.

Biggest issue so far is the attack though, namely Zirkzee/Hojlund/Rashford. Zirkzee seems reluctant to even attept to score goals most games, Hojlund has regressed in his general play and effect on games, and Rashford looks borderline washed up in many games. One of those 3 will have to turn it around and really contribute if we are to threaten for trophies and top 4 I'd guess, becaues while Garnacho/Amad/Bruno will be solid enough secondary contributors I don't think any of them are at the point where they can carry the goal scoring load for long stretches at a time. We need Rashford or one of the strikers to catch fire.

The reason I say Rashford is he is the only one who has shown a level that is capable of being actually good. The others are just imaginary hope. Rashford even during his shit period the past 2 years has done better in his best games than Hojlund has at his best, so the scenario where it clicks for him just brings us to a much higher level.

 

[P-Nut]

Rashford role is just as transferable as Hojlund. Both of them will be making runs in behind and... That's pretty much it. Rashford can occasionally whip a cross in, but that leaves us a man short at CF, and not sure if that's what Amorim is OK with.

Strange comment about Mainoo and Bruno. I thought they both, along with Dalot and Mazraoui, are this biggest winners. Maybe Amad as well as he seems more suited to more central role.

Mainoo always averages a low amount of passes, he does his best work travelling with the ball. Neither CM in Amorims sporting side was tasked with that. They are more about defending and having a good quick forward pass.

Bruno can't dribble to beat his man so playing as part of the front 3 he is going to limit what's possible there. Amad I agree looks perfect to be part of that front 3.

The biggest winners I see from Amorim coming in are Amad, Hojlund, Ugarte and probably Casemiro.

 

[CG1010]

Mainoo always averages a low amount of passes, he does his best work travelling with the ball. Neither CM in Amorims sporting side was tasked with that. They are more about defending and having a good quick forward pass.

Bruno can't dribble to beat his man so playing as part of the front 3 he is going to limit what's possible there. Amad I agree looks perfect to be part of that front 3.

The biggest winners I see from Amorim coming in are Amad, Hojlund, Ugarte and probably Casemiro.

As many have wondered, I am also intrigued by Antony as a WB in his system. Most likely it wouldn't be tried or work, but there is a small chance he could revitalise his Man United career as a wing back.

Sounds like Zirkzee could be another one who may enjoy playing under Amorim, as he may enjoy playing in two AM positions than as a leading striker ETH played him as.

 

[Borys]

Mainoo always averages a low amount of passes, he does his best work travelling with the ball. Neither CM in Amorims sporting side was tasked with that. They are more about defending and having a good quick forward pass.

Bruno can't dribble to beat his man so playing as part of the front 3 he is going to limit what's possible there. Amad I agree looks perfect to be part of that front 3.

The biggest winners I see from Amorim coming in are Amad, Hojlund, Ugarte and probably Casemiro.

I don't want to play an expert on Amorim's system (apparently almost everyone on here knows his brand of football now), but I do believe Mainoo is very flexible midfielder that can be tasked with different roles to play. The reason why I think he'll be a massive success is because (as far as I know - and I might be completely wrong here...) Amorim's 343 uses two man midfield with one focused strongly on defensive side of the game, and the other one more box-to-box, what I think suits our squad really well but only with Mainoo in that B2B role. I remember reading some quotes from United coaching staff that called Kobbie "a sponge for instructions", so I am really not worried about how he used to play for us.

Let me ask this question, do you think United Casemiro is same as Real Madrid Casemiro? A lot depends on the instructions and the role those players are asked to play, and how the team is set up in general. Put everyone forward and see Casemiro getting overrun. Give Mainoo some angles/passing options and see him progress the ball.

Alternatively, if dribbling skill is required for #10 in Amorim's system, maybe KB plays there? I stand by my initial comment, he'll be mint in Amorim's team, or any system that has some proper coaching behind it.

 

[P-Nut]

I don't want to play an expert on Amorim's system (apparently almost everyone on here knows his brand of football now), but I do believe Mainoo is very flexible midfielder that can be tasked with different roles to play. The reason why I think he'll be a massive success is because (as far as I know - and I might be completely wrong here...) Amorim's 343 uses two man midfield with one focused strongly on defensive side of the game, and the other one more box-to-box, what I think suits our squad really well but only with Mainoo in that B2B role. I remember reading some quotes from United coaching staff that called Kobbie "a sponge for instructions", so I am really not worried about how he used to play for us.

Let me ask this question, do you think United Casemiro is same as Real Madrid Casemiro? A lot depends on the instructions and the role those players are asked to play, and how the team is set up in general. Put everyone forward and see Casemiro getting overrun. Give Mainoo some angles/passing options and see him progress the ball.

Alternatively, if dribbling skill is required for #10 in Amorim's system, maybe KB plays there? I stand by my initial comment, he'll be mint in Amorim's team, or any system that has some proper coaching behind it.

My point was never that he can't thrive in Amorims system, more that there are no roles in Amorims tactics at Sporting that match with what we've seen from Mainoo so far. He played high for England and at times for United so it's possible he'll find his groove in those 2 AM slots, I've also wanted him deeper than he has been for a long while so it's possible he makes one of the 2 CM slots his own. It just isn't as obviously transferrable as others.

 

[Borys]

My point was never that he can't thrive in Amorims system, more that there are no roles in Amorims tactics at Sporting that match with what we've seen from Mainoo so far. He played high for England and at times for United so it's possible he'll find his groove in those 2 AM slots, I've also wanted him deeper than he has been for a long while so it's possible he makes one of the 2 CM slots his own. It just isn't as obviously transferrable as others.

I see, it's a valid point, although I see Mainoo as super flexible (if not versatile) player so I was not worried for a second about him finding his place in Amorim's system, whatever this is. I have serious concerns about Rashford and possibly Hojlund, but other than that I think we're alright.

 

[JediSith]

Read an interesting analysis from a YouTube page.

He goes into depth about Amorim’s Lisbon tactics. The strengths and weaknesses.

Not sure how good this guy is, but before dismissing Twitter and YouTube analysis pages. We should note people have gotten top jobs at professional clubs due to their social media with no football experience. A few example that stand out the guy from India who was sent videos from Dundee to do their video analysis, a guy on X who is now hired by Luton, and AC Milan hired a scout from Groningen who was hired off the back of his social media analysis.

The reason this guy I’m mentioning stands out is because his analysis of the tactics is very balanced, it’s not “ohhh it’s all great” reminds me of City, the highlights are very different to the full 90 minutes, the lineup he thinks Amorim will start with is very different to what most people suggest where they just fit out best 11 players into the formation. For example he thinks Maguire will benefit from Amorim and the back 3 will be Maguire, Martinez, with de Light starting only until he can be sold. Again not sure how good this guy’s analysis is as I’ve not watched Lisbon enough.

 

[The-Mezzala]

No fit left backs, two strikes who cant buy a goal, bar Kobbie and Ugarte our midfielders are way past their prime and should be playing in Saudi or MLS. Still not sold on Onana just yet. But has improved. Also Rashford is bang out of form. I think we have had better post Fergie. Jose cup double team was a stronger squad than this.

 

[Wolfbot]

Nah, I don't think so. We have plenty players and have attempted to sign the right types of players in the right positions in more recent years in my view.

The reality though is that that doesn't necessarily equate to the best or most balanced squad.

I think with Onana improving, De Ligt and Mazaroui coming in, plus Yoro if he turns out as good as people say he is, we have a well stocked, good quality defensive unit with plenty of different profiles of players. (The caveat is that we might need to replace Shaw if he's not going to get any better injury wise). Looks good aside from left back though.

The midfield I'm not sold on completely, I think Ugarte is showing signs of being a class addition, Casemiro has loads of ability, a good player to have so long as he's not expected to cover loads of ground, he's not very quick either. Mainoo has lots of potential but is really young. Eriksen is the type of midfielder I like with the ball, but he obviously has physical limitations and runs out of gas quite early on, Bruno is quite good and Mount us bareley fit enough to have an opinion. So plenty bodies, but varying levels of quality and consistency, clear physical limitations with a couple of the players who are better with the ball which is a shame. Bar a couple of them, I reckon I'd happily take loads of players from other teams in the same league to replace them, so that probably says it's not the best.

The attack is the worst. Garnacho and Amad have so much potential, but are so young it's almost not fair that they are our best attackers at the moment. Totally unimpressed with the strikers, Hojlund had that decent run last season, but hasn't really looked like doing the business much at all. Less said about Antony and the current version of Rashford the better.

I feel like Amorim somehow managing getting the best version of Rashford is going to be the key to us doing anything worthwhile until we can maybe get a quality striker and another decent winger in.

The midfield could do with a couple of replacements that have both the ability and better physicality to get around the pitch.

So to sum up, I think the squad is in theory more balanced in terms of round pegs in round holes and cover for positions. The reality though is that we've had significantly better footballers in a lot of our other post Fergie squads and fitness levels with this current squad are a major problem as well.

 

[Hammondo]

Read an interesting analysis from a YouTube page.

He goes into depth about Amorim’s Lisbon tactics. The strengths and weaknesses.

Not sure how good this guy is, but before dismissing Twitter and YouTube analysis pages. We should note people have gotten top jobs at professional clubs due to their social media with no football experience. A few example that stand out the guy from India who was sent videos from Dundee to do their video analysis, a guy on X who is now hired by Luton, and AC Milan hired a scout from Groningen who was hired off the back of his social media analysis.

The reason this guy I’m mentioning stands out is because his analysis of the tactics is very balanced, it’s not “ohhh it’s all great” reminds me of City, the highlights are very different to the full 90 minutes, the lineup he thinks Amorim will start with is very different to what most people suggest where they just fit out best 11 players into the formation. For example he thinks Maguire will benefit from Amorim and the back 3 will be Maguire, Martinez, with de Light starting only until he can be sold. Again not sure how good this guy’s analysis is as I’ve not watched Lisbon enough.

Honestly think this is the worst video on him I've seen m

 

[RedIan]

Id agree with the OP other than the poor striker options. One or both may one day come good but right now neither is anywhere near up to premier league standard.

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

Id agree with the OP other than the poor striker options. One or both may one day come good but right now neither is anywhere near up to premier league standard.

Certainly seems like the easiest upgrade to target at the moment along with the Rashford upgrade. Getting in two top level final third players will make a huge difference in our prospects as a team.

 

[Cathy Ferguson]

Certainly seems like the easiest upgrade to target at the moment along with the Rashford upgrade. Getting in two top level final third players will make a huge difference in our prospects as a team.

True, but it also means that our squad is not well balanced if Höjlund, Rashford and Zirkzee are our striker options. It was a long time ago since we were so poor upfront, and we recently paid 110m to upgrade our options.