The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working
56 snips
Sep 4, 2025 
Michael Cox, a revered football tactics writer at The Athletic, along with Mark Carey and Liam Tharme, dive into why Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Manchester United is failing. They discuss the challenges of adapting player roles and the systemic issues in defensive organization. The trio debates whether a rigid system can succeed and highlights the importance of tactical flexibility for team performance. They also compare United's approach to Chelsea's, pondering how tactical familiarity influences success in the Premier League.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Recruit True Wing-Back Profiles
- Do pick wing-backs whose profiles match the system's physical and offensive demands.
- Michael Cox warns repurposed full-backs often lack the runner profile needed for wing-back roles.
Wing-Backs Need Runner Profiles
- Modern wing-back success often depends on high-energy, specialist runners rather than technically tidy full-backs.
- Michael and Liam compare Dumfries, Di Marco, and Frimpong as archetypes United currently lack.
Midfield Duo Gets Outnumbered Often
- United's midfield duo often get overloaded and outnumbered versus opponents' midfield trios.
- Mark Carey and Michael Cox state Fernandes plus an aging Casemiro lacks mobility for the system's demands.