Amorim has already dropped a hint at Man United formation vs Leeds, fans will not like it
Manchester United will make a trip to Elland Road to face their arch-rivals Leeds United on Sunday.
This is far more than a routine Premier League match, with pride and history at stake for both sets of supporters.
Eyes will be on what system United manager Ruben Amorim fields this weekend.
United raised eyebrows on Boxing Day when Amorim sprung a surprise by lining up in a 4-3-2-1, grinding out a narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle United.
However, Amorim reverted to a 3-4-2-1 formation against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The resulting 1-1 draw felt like two dropped points rather than one gained.
Amorim faced pointed questions after the match, particularly over his decision to tweak the system yet again.
He explained that the change was a deliberate response to Wolves’ own back-three setup.
He said in the post-match press conference: “We knew that they will play with a five. They will use the width.”
Leeds have experimented with several formations this season but appear to have struck gold with a 3-5-2 system.
Daniel Farke’s side have been unbeaten in their last six matches using that shape.
That impressive run includes eye-catching victories over Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
They have also earned two hard-fought draws against defending champions Liverpool.
All signs point towards Farke sticking with the setup once again.
The Red Devils supporters could be frustrated if Amorim deploys his team in a 3-4-2-1 again.
The formation itself is not fundamentally flawed, but United currently lack the personnel to execute it effectively.
Patrick Dorgu possesses clear talent, though he remains too raw to consistently excel in the left wing-back role.
Diogo Dalot is a natural full-back rather than a wing-back.
Joshua Zirkzee also faces scrutiny, as his work rate off the ball falls short of what is required from a number ten in this system.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .