Ruben Amorim's Tactical Stance Questioned as Manchester United Struggle to Capitalize Against 10-Man Everton

‎Ruben Amorim’s tactical approach faced renewed evaluation after Manchester United’s defeat to Everton, a match marking his first anniversary at the club. The performance created the sense of a team struggling to progress, even with a numerical advantage for more than 77 minutes. His players appeared far from establishing a clear method for overcoming mid-table Premier League opponents under shifting match conditions.

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‎Manchester United’s defeat to 10-man Everton highlights growing concerns over Ruben Amorim’s fixed 3-4-3 formation and lack of tactical adaptation.

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‎Amorim offered a candid assessment afterward, expressing frustration that his squad did not show urgency or capitalize on the defeats suffered by Liverpool and Manchester City. He acknowledged Everton’s superior desire and referenced the confrontation between Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane as evidence of competitive spirit. He emphasized that his responsibility was to guide his players through every in-game situation.

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‎The match exposed the strain placed on United by a rigid structure that lacked the adaptability needed once Gueye’s red card altered the contest’s rhythm. Everton’s subsequent goal allowed them to settle into a compact defensive shape, highlighting the limitations of the 3-4-3 formation under such circumstances.

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‎United’s earlier season victory over Chelsea after Robert Sanchez’s dismissal provided a contrast. The team had attacked aggressively on that occasion. Against Everton, a similar scenario unfolded, but the visitors managed to disrupt United’s midfield despite operating with one fewer player. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes did not record any first-half tackles, reflecting United’s difficulty in controlling central spaces.

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‎The search for attacking routes forced United toward the flanks, where the formation’s constraints became clear. Patrick Dorgu struggled to create danger on the left, and Noussair Mazraoui produced only one promising moment on the right. The wide roles became a focal point for the team’s challenges.

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‎Amorim replaced Mazraoui at half-time with Mason Mount, shifting Amad Diallo to his natural right-wing-back position to reconnect with Bryan Mbeumo. The left side remained ineffective, prompting the withdrawal of Dorgu. Luke Shaw, an experienced attacking full-back, stayed in his centre-back role. Amorim instead introduced Diogo Dalot on the left, whose right-footed tendencies restricted his ability to stretch Everton’s defence.

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‎Shaw’s best second-half moment came when he supplied a cross for Joshua Zirkzee, whose header was saved by Jordan Pickford. Zirkzee’s aerial chances represented United’s clearest openings, yet Everton’s centre-backs James Tarkowski and Michael Keane coped well with deliveries into the box, limiting United’s effectiveness on the ground.

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‎Analysts highlighted how the setup influenced player behaviour. Gary Neville noted on Sky Sports that Shaw, traditionally strong when advancing, remained within the boundaries of his centre-back role. Neville also pointed out that Dalot, positioned on the left, frequently turned onto his right foot, reducing United’s ability to attack down the flank.

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‎Neville also suggested that the team lacked a clear plan for facing 10-man opposition. He argued that quicker ball movement, wide switches, and greater pitch expansion were required to stretch Everton’s defensive block.

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‎United were without key forwards Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, signings worth £136 million combined. Amorim did not use their absence as a justification and acknowledged the need to adapt, especially with upcoming fixtures and potential absences during the African Nations Cup for Mazraoui, Amad, and Mbeumo. The trio had been among United’s more effective performers against Everton.

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‎Other observers noted that coaches often adjust systems to suit available personnel, an area where Amorim has taken a different stance. Jamie Carragher questioned the refusal to deviate from the preferred structure despite shifting match conditions and squad limitations.

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‎Amorim has stated that formation matters less than the intensity shown by players, citing strong displays against Liverpool and Chelsea. The match against Everton provided a counterexample, showing the challenges players face when their strengths are not fully utilized within the tactical setup.

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‎Questions surrounding the system’s suitability at Manchester United intensified after the loss. The inability to break down an organized Everton side, even with a man advantage, overshadowed the progress made during October’s winning run and the resilient draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

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‎Amorim acknowledged that the team remains far from competing at the top of the league table. He suggested that perfection was required to secure wins, although supporters have called for greater tactical flexibility in specific match scenarios. The Everton defeat added to the debate over whether adjustments to the system are necessary to unlock the team’s potential.