**Ruben Amorim Urges Manchester United to Replace £36m Signing as Club Begin Tactical Overhaul**
As Manchester United embarks on a crucial period of tactical and strategic rethinking under Erik ten Hag, one notable voice from European football has weighed in on the club’s squad-building process. Ruben Amorim, the highly regarded manager of Sporting CP, has suggested that Manchester United should consider replacing one of their more recent signings—thought to be their £36 million acquisition—as part of a larger tactical overhaul. Amorim’s comments, while not directly targeting the player, point toward an ongoing shift in the priorities of a club desperately seeking to return to its former glory.
### United’s Current Situation
Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United has been in a continuous process of rebuilding, with varying degrees of success. While the club has spent heavily in the transfer market, there remains a sense of imbalance in their squad. Ten Hag, who arrived in the summer of 2022, has attempted to implement his possession-based, high-pressing philosophy, but results have been mixed, particularly in high-pressure matches.
This has led to speculation about the club’s long-term direction, and whether United’s roster is fit to execute Ten Hag’s vision. While some signings, like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, have been successful, others have not fully justified their price tags. The £36 million signing in question has yet to make the same impact expected of a player brought in for such a significant fee.
### The £36 Million Signing
While Amorim did not name the player specifically, the most likely candidate appears to be one of the club’s recent acquisitions—perhaps the player with the £36 million price tag who has struggled to settle into Ten Hag’s system. Given United’s financial outlay in recent windows, it’s possible that the player in question is someone like *Antony*, the Brazilian winger brought in from Ajax for a similar sum. Antony has shown glimpses of his talent but has often been criticized for inconsistency, and questions about his fit in Ten Hag’s system have surfaced over the past seasons.
If it is Antony that Amorim was referring to, it would not be surprising, given the coach’s tactical insights. Amorim, whose experience in developing young talent and creating strong tactical setups with Sporting CP is well-respected, has been known to value players who offer balance, intelligence, and adaptability. He may believe that United’s current tactical blueprint doesn’t suit the player in question, or perhaps he sees more potential elsewhere in the market.
### Ruben Amorim’s Tactical Vision
Amorim’s coaching philosophy focuses on versatility, high pressing, and positional fluidity. His Sporting CP side is known for their aggressive defensive approach, which transitions rapidly into offense. This philosophy has served the Portuguese coach well, earning him domestic success and the admiration of top European clubs.
For Amorim, a player’s ability to adapt to a high-pressing, possession-heavy style is paramount. He has emphasized the need for intelligent positioning and quick decision-making in both defense and attack. If a player fails to meet these criteria, Amorim suggests that they might not fit into the overall system, regardless of their individual talent.
This tactical philosophy is why Amorim might feel that United’s £36 million signing could be surplus to requirements. A high-pressing game requires dynamic, technically gifted players who can impact games without slowing the tempo. If a player is not up to the standard required, then it might be in the club’s best interests to explore better-suited alternatives.
### Manchester United’s Tactical Overhaul
Erik ten Hag is currently overseeing a critical tactical overhaul at Manchester United. The club’s inconsistent performances in the Premier League and Europe have led to questions about the effectiveness of Ten Hag’s system, particularly in terms of how the squad is built. Despite the success of players like Casemiro, who plays a key role in the middle of the park, United’s reliance on a few key individuals has been exposed at times.
A tactical overhaul likely includes reevaluating the squad’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s clear that Ten Hag will want to find players who suit his style and, importantly, improve the overall team cohesion. United’s ability to identify the right signings—players who can press, move quickly in transition, and possess technical quality—will be crucial in the coming months as Ten Hag fine-tunes his plans.
### A Shift in Priorities
For Amorim, the recommendation to replace a player who doesn’t fit the tactical mold is not about individual criticism but about maximizing team performance. This shift in priorities aligns with the growing pressure on Manchester United to ensure that their investments reflect their tactical philosophy. The club’s recent signings have, at times, appeared to be based more on individual talent rather than how well those players integrate into the team’s collective identity.
United’s future success under Ten Hag will likely depend on their ability to streamline their squad, moving away from expensive signings that don’t provide a clear tactical advantage. Amorim’s input—though not an official endorsement or direct criticism—serves as a reminder of the importance of a manager’s vision in shaping a successful football team.
### Conclusion
Ruben Amorim’s comments reflect a deeper understanding of football strategy and could serve as a wake-up call for Manchester United. If they are to continue their push back toward Premier League and European dominance, Ten Hag will need to address these tactical inconsistencies by building a squad that suits his system rather than simply collecting high-profile players. Replacing the £36 million signing, if necessary, may be part of that broader overhaul.
The challenge for United is clear: they must align their tactical approach with their transfer strategy, ensuring that each player not only brings individual talent to the table but also enhances the team’s overall performance.
