Manchester United midfield and inside forward positions

Lots has been talked about concering the new Manchester United system / tactics in regards to what we need from our wingbacks, CB’s and even our ST, given the need in our squad for players in these positions (particularly wingback and ST) that is understandable. However, I’d like to talk about the midfield and inside forward positions that I think will be absolutely vital for Amorim’s system to work.

I’ll start with midfield and he needs energetic, defensively sound players. They don’t have to be expansive passers, with his CB’s often taking more of the deeper playmaking responsibilities. They tend to create by bursting through the lines carrying the ball up the pitch through a line of pressure rather than trying to find a defence splitting pass. Which makes sense when you consider the 3421 shape is designed to congest the midfield and make the team compact through the middle. The midfielders will not have the time and space to dictate play and find those more creative passes. They need to win the ball, make sure there isn’t a way through the centre, while on the ball they need to be technically sound, extremely press resistant, and capable of playing quick and accurate short passes. While that ability to carry the ball through the lines and then make good passes to the more creative players once we have the numbers advantage is also key.

Looking at our squad Ugarte is obviously the best fit (although he isn’t the strongest ball carrier) . He’s a beast in midfield and his passing is very underrated. He makes good choices and moves the ball quickly and efficiently.

Casemiro and Eriksen don’t have the legs or mobility to really thrive in this role, both will be moved on.

Mainoo can play the role in terms of being press resistant, and is very good at carrying the ball forward (although he is more a technical dribbler and likes to play quick give and goes rather than powerful runner who can use their physicality to burst through the middle) . However, there are questions over his lung power, stamina and strength. Is he really suited to physical demands of this role? I actually think he’s more suited to the role further forward in Amorim’s system. While he’s capable of playing as a No.6, he is definitely more suited to a No.8 or even a No.10.

Bruno and Mount could play deeper in midfield, both are energetic pressers of the ball, although you would question their physicality and both tend to rely more on their creative passing rather than their ball carrying…