Maguire returns: Amorim's gamble against Tottenham

Ruben Amorim is considering a risky move: bringing back Harry Maguire in the big match of round 11 of the Premier League at Tottenham on the evening of November 8. The motive is clear: to increase the aerial battle to neutralize the home team's dead ball strength, where Micky van de Ven has scored six goals this season, including three headers.

Maguire and MU's aerial combat problem

Maguire returned to full training at Carrington this week, having missed the Brighton game with a minor injury. He was in the squad for the Nottingham Forest game but did not come on. With the need to add strength from set-pieces against Tottenham, the England centre-back is expected to start from the start.

Internal statistics show that Maguire has won 70% of his aerial duels this season, the highest in the Man United defence. That ability not only helps MU strengthen their dead ball defence but also creates a significant destination for free kicks and corners at the other end of the pitch. Aerial combat is something that Tottenham are taking advantage of very well, especially when Van de Ven constantly appears in the right place in the penalty area.

Tactical suggestion: three centre-backs, lock Van de Ven

Amorim favors a three-man defense and Matthijs de Ligt is playing consistently in this structure. The combination of De Ligt – Maguire – Luke Shaw promises to bring a stronger defensive axis for MU in static situations and early crosses from Tottenham. In that context, Leny Yoro is expected to give way to a more experienced trio.

In set-piece defensive situations, Maguire can take on the role of keeping close to Van de Ven or marking the area, depending on the man-to-zone marking structure that Amorim chooses. The key is to reduce the Dutch centre-back’s jumping space and proactively attack the second drop point around the 5m50 area.

Adjust personnel to balance offense and defense

In addition to the defense, Amorim is considering refreshing the front line and the wings: Mason Mount and Patrick Dorgu are likely to start, replacing Benjamin Sesko and Diogo Dalot. The goal is to increase mobility in transition, while maintaining balance so that Tottenham do not drag them into a game with many high balls and second balls.

The risks of the Maguire gamble

Betting on a centre-back who has just returned from injury is always risky. At 32, Maguire has made mistakes in big games and is unlikely to be back to his best form immediately. However, in a situation where MU needs an aerial fulcrum, his experience and physique are still the closest to the tactical requirements that Amorim has at hand.

Confrontation context: goal to break the curse

Tottenham have a clear advantage: they have won 5 and drawn 2 of their last 7 meetings with Man United. MU have lost 4 consecutive matches, including the 2025 Europa League final in Bilbao. Therefore, the decision to take a risk with Maguire is also a message about the need for change to break the curse and restore stability.

90 minutes in London will answer

The game in London on the evening of November 8th is a test of Amorim’s mettle and adaptability. If Maguire helps United stand firm against Tottenham’s dead-ball pressure, the gamble will become a source of confidence. If not, it is still a decision that is considered based on data and very specific tactical needs.