Four adjustments by Ruben Amorim help Man Utd revive
Manchester United moved up to sixth thanks to four changes from Ruben Amorim: Lammens' long pass to Sesko, the high pressing defence, Amad's revival and explosive connection with Bryan Mbeumo.
October was a turning point for Manchester United. From their slip-up against Brentford in September, Ruben Amorim’s side bounced back strongly with wins over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton, moving up to sixth. Behind the acceleration were four key tactical and personnel changes: direct play from the goalkeeper, a high press, the rebirth of Amad and the explosive Amad-Bryan Mbeumo link-up.
Changing the platform: From home-field construction to direct long balls
Amorim chose to cut risks under high pressure: instead of patiently passing under pressure, Man United quickly brought the ball up the line. The key was the appearance of the goalkeeperSenne Lammensin his debut against Sunderland. With the ability to play well with both feet, Lammens continuously sent accurate long balls towards the striker.Benjamin Sesko.
The effect is immediate.Mason Mount“Whenever there was a risk of being pressed, he passed the ball to Ben (Sesko) and we built from there. Lammens helped relieve a lot of pressure.”
Amorim also explains: when the opponent is marking one-on-one, it is wise to pass the ball straight up to the physical strikers. This way of playing bypasses the complicated build-up phase at home, aiming for direct attacking opportunities and gaining advantage in the second phase.
High defense and pressing: suffocating space
The confidence in escaping pressing helps Man United's backline confidently push up the formation. Amorim encouragesthree central defendersproactively move up, narrow the opponent's playing space and regain control right on the opponent's field.
After the win over Brighton, the coach emphasized: “When you have players who can press high...Luke Shaw is not really tall, but he is quick and aggressive. We can press a bit higher..”
When the backline stepped up in time, United created a series of situations to win the ball close to the opponent's goal, pushing the game into the tempo they wanted and opening up lightning counter-attacks for the front line.
Amad: new energy after the incident, the link for the idea of attack
At the age of 23,Amadback at his sharpest after his personal crisis. More than just technique and speed, Amad elevates the team with his intelligent off-the-ball movement, providing a focal point for both direct attacks and quick changes of direction.
In the new structure, Amad is the one who sets the pace for transitions: ready to exploit the space behind the defenders or stretch the defense with positional interchanges.
Amad - Bryan Mbeumo couple: mutation and damage
United's rise reached its peak when Amad connected almost perfectly withBryan Mbeumo. The pair constantly swapped roles, using their speed, one-on-one skills and off-the-ball movement to their advantage in the half-spaces and on the flanks.
Amorim reserved particular praise for Mbeumo as “a relentless machine” and admitted that “the connection with Amad is very difficult to beat”. It is the dynamism of this duo that has decided big games, notably against Liverpool and Brighton.
Immediate impact: big results, new position
Three crucial wins in October against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton didn’t just bring points; they validated the change. United climbed to sixth place, and more importantly, rediscovered their identity: fierce off the ball, direct on it, and sharp at the back.
Looking forward
There are no magic bullets at Old Trafford; there is only a clear path. By combining tactical changes (long kicks, high pressing) with personnel optimization (Amad - Mbeumo), Ruben Amorim put the pieces in place. With that foundation, Man United entered the next phase with the confidence of a team in form.
