Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford carrying a clear tactical identity shaped by his success at Sporting Lisbon. Almost immediately, the Portuguese coach set out to reshape Manchester United by abandoning the club’s long-standing four-man defense.
Instead, Amorim introduced a system built around three central defenders, supported by aggressive wing-backs designed to stretch the pitch. On paper, the approach promised greater defensive stability and structured build-up play. In reality, it marked a dramatic departure from the footballing principles that have defined Manchester United for decades.
While the new system delivered some encouraging results early on, the manner of those performances quickly became a topic of intense discussion. Critics argue that the change has altered not only United’s tactics, but also the very spirit of the club. Among those voices, none has been louder than club legend Paul Scholes.
Paul Scholes Criticizes Amorim’s Style of Play
Paul Scholes has not held back in expressing his concerns over Amorim’s tactical direction. Speaking publicly, the former midfielder argued that the three-center-back system strips Manchester United of its attacking identity.
According to Scholes, United has always stood for risk-taking, creativity, and entertaining football. He believes the current setup feels rigid and predictable, offering little of the excitement that once made Old Trafford one of the most feared venues in world football.
Scholes also highlighted the absence of traditional attacking elements that defined United’s golden eras. He pointed to a lack of natural wingers capable of beating defenders one-on-one, fewer shots from distance, and an overall shortage of individual flair.
“I don’t think the manager understands this club, full stop. I don’t think he’s the right person,” Scholes said on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, as quoted by Goal.
“Manchester United has always been about risk and entertainment more than anything else. Getting fans off their seats, creating moments. Wingers who can take players on, shots at goal, a bit of skill — none of that is there right now.”
For Scholes, the issue goes beyond results. He believes United’s current style fails to reflect the club’s traditions and emotional connection with its supporters.
Sharp Words for Manchester United’s Boardroom
Scholes’ criticism did not stop with Amorim. The former England international also questioned the decision-making at executive level, including the role of CEO Omar Berrada and other senior figures.
In his view, appointing Amorim highlights a deeper disconnect between the club’s leadership and its footballing identity. Scholes argued that success in Portugal does not automatically translate to Old Trafford, especially when the tactical philosophy clashes with United’s historical DNA.
He emphasized that Manchester United has almost always operated with a back four, long before the era of Sir Alex Ferguson. To Scholes, the shift to a three-defender system is not simply a tactical tweak, but a fundamental break from the club’s roots.
“We’re talking about a different club now,” Scholes continued.
“They’ve got Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, who may be brilliant at what they do. But they’re not Manchester United. They don’t know what it means to buy Manchester United players or appoint a Manchester United manager.”
Scholes added that while Sporting Lisbon thrived using a three-at-the-back system, that blueprint has never been a natural fit for United.
“At Sporting, they play with three center-backs. That’s fine there. But Manchester United have never done that — even before Sir Alex. It was always 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1, attacking football that entertained people. This system doesn’t do that.”
Identity Versus Results: A Growing Dilemma
Despite some positive results under Amorim, the debate surrounding his system continues to intensify. For many fans and former players, the concern is not just about winning matches, but about how Manchester United wins them.
As pressure mounts, Amorim faces a difficult challenge: balancing modern tactical trends with the traditions that define one of football’s most historic clubs. Whether he adapts his approach or stays loyal to his system could determine not only his future, but also the direction of Manchester United in the years ahead.
ALSO READ :
- SBOTOP: Jamie Vardy Makes Serie A History, Outshining Mike Maignan and Lautaro Martinez
- SBOTOP : Luka Modrić Describes Serie A as One of the Toughest and Most Competitive Leagues
- SBOTOP Move Quickly : Nani Calls on Man United to Secure Antoine Semenyo Transfer
