Harry Maguire Drops Bombshell on Man Utd Tactics as Ruben Amorim Refuses to Budge
Harry Maguire has defended Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 tactical approach, claiming it's not responsible for Manchester United's poor form and placing responsibility squarely on the players' shoulders.
Critics have questioned Amorim's commitment to a formation that seemingly doesn't suit many squad members, with particular focus on the vulnerabilities created by his two-man central midfield configuration.
The Premier League has witnessed similar tactical approaches before. Wolves and Crystal Palace have employed three-at-the-back systems in recent campaigns, while Antonio Conte secured the 2016–17 championship with Chelsea using a 3-4-3 formation.
Maguire was quick to support Amorim's tactical choice, suggesting it faces unfair criticism simply due to United's disappointing results.
"I believe the formation becomes an easy target because we're implementing something slightly different from other teams," he explained to Sky Sports. "For me, it became a convenient scapegoat when outcomes aren't favorable.
"The tactical setup has been adequate. As I mentioned, we've felt secure in every match from end to end. Strategically we've been solid in each game, so it must come down to individual performances. Players need to capitalize on their opportunities and make decisive contributions in crucial moments.
"I believe this season, in our opening four matches, we simply haven't executed those key 'moments' effectively enough. As I stated, we haven't protected our penalty area sufficiently during critical phases. Each time opponents approach our box, the ball seems to find the net, which requires immediate attention.
"However, I think the formation becomes a convenient target because we haven't been securing victories. The system isn't rigid - people label it '3' or '5' but during many game phases, we operate with a back four.
"We've been content since the manager arrived. It's a simple target, but it's up to the players to deliver. If you're a quality player, you should adapt to any tactical system."
Amorim has consistently maintained his unwillingness to alter his tactical philosophy, even suggesting United hierarchy would need to dismiss him to see formation changes, and he reinforced this position before Chelsea's Saturday visit to Old Trafford.
"Nobody, not even the Pope will alter [my approach]," Amorim emphasized. "This represents my profession, my duty, my existence. Therefore, I won't modify that approach.
"There will be development, but we must take proper steps. If I were a player with a coach who, under immense pressure while everyone globally suggests, 'You must change the system'—if I altered course now, players would view me differently.
"When considering the consequences any decision will have on the squad, everything matters. So, I'll repeat: this must be evolutionary. I'm implementing my methods. Others may approach it differently, but outcomes will improve. I hope to receive time for change, but improvement will come. I'm simply focused on winning matches, identifying the optimal approach for our next fixture.
"I'm working to establish better connections for improved performance and ultimately, to secure points. It involves belief, confidence, intensity, everything. Sometimes, what we term luck means approaching games with greater conviction. Occasionally, with us, I sense the reverse. We perform well, yet something goes awry at certain moments. We must address that, but only through victories.
"I can attempt anything, but examining the goals conceded against [Manchester] City and Fulham, all those situations were preventable. In each instance, I believe we could have performed better. It's our responsibility. We address this during training to improve."