Overcoming the High Press

[Remi Moses]

In my opinion, the primary challenge Amorim faces is overcoming the aggressive high press.
Last season, United were particularly poor—and often clueless—against mid-tier high-pressing sides. Specifically: Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Wolves. They repeatedly lost to these teams, even at Old Trafford. Another recurring pattern saw opponents allow United’s back three time on the ball, knowing they posed little threat in progressing it. What followed was an insipid "horseshoe" of possession: RWB to CB to CB to LWB to CB to CB to RWB

What's needed?

a) Ball progression from wide centre-backs. They must be able to break lines either through incisive passing or by carrying the ball forward with confidence. This is essential for bypassing the initial press and initiating meaningful buildup. With the arrival of Yoro and Heaven, this aspect of United’s play should improve significantly as they mature.
b) Deeper involvement from the attacking midfielders. The two “10s” must contribute earlier in the build-up phase. By dropping into pockets and offering additional passing lanes, they can create "pressure valves" when the pivot is targeted. Cunha and Mbuemo (If he finally signs) both did this for Wolves and Brentford.
c) A press-resistant double pivot. The midfield double pivot must be capable of receiving under pressure and progressing the ball reliably. In the 3-4-3 system, this zone is frequently overloaded by opponents, making composure and ball retention essential.

Bruno Fernandes, who appears set to play regularly as an “8” next season, is a high-risk, high-reward option in this role. His upside is undeniable—he creates more chances than any other player in the Premier League—but there are notable drawbacks. He struggles to receive under pressure, lacks positional discipline, and often concedes possession with blind or overly ambitious passes. He’s also physically outmatched against many opponents.

Mainoo, while promising, cannot start alongside Bruno; he’s better suited as an understudy and long-term successor. The idea of Casemiro playing Premier League minutes at this stage is deeply concerning. Ugarte, though valuable in specific match scenarios for his defensive energy and tackling, lacks composure in possession when under pressure

Given these limitations, the most urgent signing isn’t a striker—it’s a physically dominant, athletic, press-resistant No. 6 who can cover ground and progress the ball with composure. Whilst compensating for some of Bruno's shortcomings

[Felwin]

Interesting analysis. I think most United fans (myself included) agree that we need goals more than anything else, but there were plenty of struggles getting the ball to Hojlund too. Bruno is pretty much the only one capable of playing him in. Hojlund himself has a lot to answer for tbf as he just can't make the ball stick and never makes the right run, he's always somehow behind the play when they need him on the shoulder and then on the shoulder when he should delay his run. Read/heard plenty of people saying it's a confidence thing and Inter obviously seem to believe there's a player in there, but the fact they're not willing to sign him permanently is telling IMO.

You're right about those wider CB's. We looked at our most dangerous when Martinez was getting forward before his injury. I remember pointing it out at the time that it looked like the opponents became confused as to who to mark when he got forward. Yoro got better doing this in the last month or so of the season and maybe Heaven can be that player too. Shaw in theory could do a job here but we can't rely on him. IMO the bigger medium term problem is the defender in the middle. He needs the strength and nous of De Ligt, the character and passing of Maguire and more agility and pace than either of them. Pace for the wider CB's and a good DM could cover De Ligt for a few seasons but we're way off elite level there. Mind you, I could see Martinez in the middle but it would feel like we'd then lack height in the centre of the box.

Fucking midfield, man. Been a problem since Keano left. Carrick was great for a few years as the game became more tippy-tappy and when we had elite forwards he could fire the ball into, but honestly we've struggled here since what feels like forever. Bruno moving back is a symptom, not the cure. Even though he should be in the final third playing people in, no-one else in the squad has anywhere near his ability on the ball. I actually disagree with you a bit with his press-resistance, I think he used to be worse but he's improved it this last season or so by coming deep so often. He still works better when he can find a pocket but he's also able to shield and move the ball on whereas he used to just take a touch and fire it in to Rashford or Martial. A more physical partner for him would be great for a few seasons. Like with the middle CB, if we had a player as committed and agile in the challenge as Ugarte, with Casemiro's nous and passing and a bit of pace on top, we'd be sorted. Just who the fuck has that in world football for a reasonable price? I can honestly see Collyer getting blooded in here (if he stays fit) as half the battle is just having energy (why Ugarte looked great at times). The stupidest thing for me is that Fred would've actually been a decent stopgap option in Amorim's system here but oh well, standard dumb transfer market shite from us.

I'm very unsure on Mainoo. Not unsure he doesn't have bags of talent, but unsure as to whether there's an elite player in there. He reminds me of a couple of Pep players more than anything, Iniesta, David Silva, Thiago Alcantara, Foden (not saying he's at their level yet or will reach it), which means he'll only really fit Amorim's system as a 10. I think swamps said he sees him as a Modric in the making but I don't feel Mainoo finds that time on the ball like those true elite players do. He can wriggle out/wriggle through and has the technique, but it occasionally looks rash and he's not sleight and agile like the players I've mentioned so he needs a bit more physicality to him if he's going to play regularly. Maybe he could work as an 8 if we have better players ahead of him able to receive his passes, but for now I think he'd have to accept being behind Cunha and Mount. We'll see, maybe Casemiro does end up going and Amorim goes all out against shitter teams with Mainoo and Bruno in the middle. Honestly, I'd love to see it, but feels like we'd concede a load of goals with those CB's and especially if Onana stays.

Interesting to see what they do in the window. Still feels very much like a striker is a higher priority, but maybe they shift a few players and we get an energetic midfielder in as well. Dunno how much it would help like, if he arrives after the first 3-4 games once Amorim has already lost to Arsenal and City

[Remi Moses]

I agree that the main issue to be addressed is goals, but think that Cunha, Mbuemo and a functional striker should address the issue. If we simply tack a new strikeforce on top of the current midfield, many of the deep structural issues we saw on repeat last season will remain. Ie I would much rather see Baleba (more likely Ederson) plus Jonathan David rather than Gyokeres and stopgap midfielder. 

Re: Bruno's press resistance, as he doesn't have the athleticism to dribble and beat a man, he relies almost exclusively on his amazing passing range. This is flawless with time on the ball, but the mistakes come when he's harried and under pressure. He tends to play blind passes that often go straight to the opponent in a dangerous zone. With 3 centre backs it's not the end of the world, and overall is more than compensated for by the high number of assists that he creates even from the deep lying role. It does become a problem when his partner (Ugarte) is doing the same. Sometimes they get away with it, but there will be a number of games (as in the Europa League final) where that one mistake costs the match.

I'm a believer in Mainoo. Young players' development is rarely linear. They have bursts of progress followed by plateaus. Part of this is often due to injuries as their bodies are still not fully developed. I think his injuries and stop start season without an extended run in the team meant he never picked up any momentum or the required fitness/confidence levels. His best position in a 3-4-3 is still unclear, but it looks like opportunities in the inside forward role will be limited with Cunham/Mbuemo/Mount/Fernandes all likely ahead of him. His breakthrough season in central midfield was so damn impressive for Utd and England that I still think he can be excellent there. He needs to add more range and be more adventurous with his passing, and he needs to maximise his fitness/cardio/athleticism. He's still several years away from his peak.

[dozer]

Bruno is our best player. I don't think we should move him deeper to accommodate two new attackers.
Let him play in his usual number 10 position with the free role he has currently.
The other attackers must compete for the other spots or Bruno can drop deep mid game when we need more goals.

[Fuck the Glazers]

I agree tbf. I think we have to play our few good players in their best positions otherwise they become less effective and you have no good players. So I'd also play Amad up front not at wingback.

[Remi Moses]

So I'd also play Amad up front not at wingback.

I saw this stat earlier which is quite compelling:

Amad’s G/A per game last season by position:

Off the bench — 0.28
#10 — 0.20
RW— 0.55
🪽RWB — 1.16

[Felwin]

So I'd also play Amad up front not at wingback.

I saw this stat earlier which is quite compelling:

Amad’s G/A per game last season by position:

Off the bench — 0.28
#10 — 0.20
RW— 0.55
🪽RWB — 1.16

I'd personally play him at RWB anyway, especially if we get Mbeumo because we need at least one side attacking with abandon, otherwise it's shit. I suspect that's the real reason Amad's stats look like this too. When he played further forward we inevitably had Dalot or Mazraoui at RWB which basically meant that side was nullified and Amad out of the game.

[Remi Moses]

I'd personally play him at RWB anyway, especially if we get Mbeumo because we need at least one side attacking with abandon, otherwise it's shit. I suspect that's the real reason Amad's stats look like this too. When he played further forward we inevitably had Dalot or Mazraoui at RWB which basically meant that side was nullified and Amad out of the game.

Amorim likes fluid interchange between positions. Mbuemo has all the tools to play RWB too, so there could be some rotation.

Lots of potential for some very attractive attacking football that's for sure. Imagine!

[Felwin]

I'd personally play him at RWB anyway, especially if we get Mbeumo because we need at least one side attacking with abandon, otherwise it's shit. I suspect that's the real reason Amad's stats look like this too. When he played further forward we inevitably had Dalot or Mazraoui at RWB which basically meant that side was nullified and Amad out of the game.

Amorim likes fluid interchange between positions. Mbuemo has all the tools to play RWB too, so there could be some rotation.

Lots of potential for some very attractive attacking football that's for sure. Imagine!

Honestly, if we're in the middle of some sort of reset, we should be prioritising playing attractive football anyway. If we're not, what's the fucking point?