The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working
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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.
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System Fails Out Of Possession
- Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 exposes Manchester United most out of possession rather than in possession.
- Michael Cox argues the system doesn't suit many current United players and looks weak defensively.
Wide CBs Create Domino Gaps
- Wide centre-backs stretching to support wing-backs create gaps and domino defensive shifts.
- Mark Carey links those movements to simple transitional runs that lead to easy goals against United.
No Stable Backline Hurts Cohesion
- Lack of consistent centre-back partnerships has amplified United's instability under Amorim.
- Liam Tharme highlights 20 different centre-back pairings in 30 Premier League games as evidence.