RUBEN AMORIM has solidified his position as the perfect leader for Manchester United following a dominant 4-0 win against Everton.

The Red Devils displayed their superiority over the Toffees at Old Trafford on Sunday.

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Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford both netted two goals in the thrilling match.

Additionally, players like Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo showcased commendable performances.

Manchester United is preparing for a tough away match against Arsenal, a significant test for Amorim’s leadership so far.

Be sure to check Dean Scoggins’ tactical breakdown in the latest episode of Tactics Exposed…

1. Joshua Zirkzee is unlocking Marcus Rashford’s potential

After three matches, we are witnessing a more dynamic Rashford. During the opening game against Ipswich, he played as a striker.

In this match, he filled one of the two inverted forward roles, presenting a striking ‘V’ formation.

Interestingly, Zirkzee has adjusted his position by dropping deeper into the setup. Despite being a forward, he maintained an average position lower than both of the other attacking players, enabling Rashford to advance more confidently.

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As Zirkzee effectively linked plays, Bruno also took on advanced positions before dropping back.

This tactical shift enhanced both forwards’ ability to penetrate, employing central attacks that outpaced the lead striker.

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Zirkzee’s role as a center forward has been crucial. While some categorized it as a 3-4-2-1 formation, a clear adaptation has emerged where his retreat into deeper positions permitted forwards to advance.

Rashford’s off-the-ball movements have displayed newfound confidence.

Rashford later highlighted the significance of team connections—not only between him and the manager but also among teammates.

We’ve noticed interactions between Garnacho and Hojlund, along with Bruno or Mount forming links with Zirkzee and Rashford, creating unique combinations.

If Amorim’s strategy involves the center forward dropping deeper, we can expect Zirkzee and Rashford to flourish together.

Should the intent be to stretch defenses, Hojlund may take on the number nine role, making dangerous diagonal runs.

Even in the early stages of Amorim’s spell, we’ve started to see valuable partnerships form.

2. Ruben Amorim’s adaptable tactics could counter Arsenal

Amorim has utilized 21 players in his opening three matches, whereas Erik ten Hag used 24 throughout his entire tenure.

While aiming for a win against Arsenal this early in Amorim’s management may be optimistic, the squad heads into the match with a newfound confidence in both tactical execution and the manager’s approach.

Initially organized in a 3-4-3, players demonstrated the ability to shift positions fluidly.

Kobbie Mainoo, unfortunately suspended for the upcoming game, and Bruno Fernandes frequently exchanged roles, illustrating mutual trust as they pressed forward.

We also observed a fruitful combination between Ugarte and Mainoo, offering cover as one advanced while the other held firm, resembling Casemiro’s previous style.

Against Ipswich, the formation was a clear 3-4-3, yet it evolved into a fluid 4-4-2 against Everton.

This tactical versatility is promising as United gears up to confront an Arsenal side familiar with defending in a 4-4-2 configuration. Amorim’s tactics could match them player-for-player.

The shift to a 4-4-2 derived from Mazraoui’s proficiency as a right center-back, allowing him to transition seamlessly into a fullback role.

Simultaneously, Dalot’s performance as a left wing-back enhances the formation’s depth, enabling flexibility between a back four and a back three—an exciting tactical evolution.

It’s inspiring to witness how Amorim has transformed a roster of players into a unit that is starting to grasp diverse tactical roles.

3. Amad Diallo’s pressing strategy is vital for success

Amad’s pressing efforts were crucial, primarily targeting the right side.

This defensive setup permitted the team to transition to a back four, allowing Amad to pursue the opposing left-back or winger without excessive concern for ball circulation.

Mainoo played a significant role, acting as the driving force behind Amad’s pressing by positioning himself on the inside right and freeing Amad to pursue the ball.

Amad’s aggressive pressing yielded quick advances into the box by Zirkzee, Rashford, and Bruno, all anticipating his next action.

They recognized they could advance without worrying that Amad would pass; Amorim had instilled a strategy in them: always run into the box.

Both of Rashford’s goals exemplified this approach, with Amad setting up the second by delivering a timely pass just outside the penalty area.

The first goal followed a well-timed cross from the wing. The strategy emphasizes quick, direct plays over long-distance through balls.

Consequently, in attacking scenarios, the forwards charged towards the box instead of waiting for passes.

4. Defenders need to collaborate on managing Bukayo Saka

We’ll be concentrating on Bukayo Saka, alongside Odegaard and Saka in Arsenal’s right channel.

Amorim was tactical during the Everton match, already strategizing for Saka’s challenges.

He promptly adjusted to Martinez’s suspension by bringing in Shaw. It’s probable that Dalot will function as the left wing-back, or possibly Mazraoui, contingent on Amorim’s evaluation. Shaw is expected to operate as the left center-back.

This tactical arrangement effectively utilizes two left-backs to counter Bukayo Saka, stressing the importance of balanced play.

Amorim favors complementary players across the pitch, pairing combative midfielders with skillful playmakers.

To efficiently manage Saka, a robust plan is necessary; neglecting this could yield consequences, as demonstrated by West Ham’s experience.

5. Increased emphasis on set-piece strategies is yielding results

Among Arsenal’s tactical approaches, positioning the front post player to engage inside the ball is vital. Manchester United must remain alert to this tactic.

When Zirkzee is on the pitch, he should be positioned to defend that specific area; if Hojlund plays, the same principle applies. It’s crucial to utilize someone robust enough to withstand challenges.

Conversely, let’s analyze United’s recent training. For the first time in my observation, they practiced corner routines during warm-ups. Professionals usually emphasize dynamic player positioning and movement patterns ahead of matches.

However, United displayed a focused effort rehearsing corner strategies before the Everton game, indicating an increased emphasis on set-piece preparedness.

This focus resulted in effective corner routines during the match: players formed a strategic block while Everton defenders were distracted, leading Rashford to contribute with a precise side-foot finish amid a crowded box.

Whether it was Rashford’s goal or initially intended for another situation may be debatable, but the execution of the set-play illustrates a matured tactical awareness, with Mainoo adeptly preventing Tarkowski from marking Rashford’s space effectively.

Implementing a solid corner routine showed potential, but United must also enhance their defensive strategies to reduce the threat from Arsenal’s set-play expertise.