Ruben Amorim can unleash Manchester United talent to solve Erik ten Hag's biggest mistake

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has overseen a radical shake-up of Manchester United off the pitch and now Ruben Amorim could be about to do the same on it.

Amorim has diverted from his 3-4-3 set-up just 18 times in his 227 matches in charge of Sporting CP. The last time United played with wing-backs was during the 4-0 away defeat to Liverpool in April 2024 under caretaker Ralf Rangnick.

In his final game at Old Trafford as manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer used a 3-5-2 formation in a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City during November 2021. The last time United played a 3-4-3 formation? November 2019, a 3-3 draw with Sheffield United.

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Amorim has used a back-four at Sporting just once. Erik ten Hag played four defenders in each of the 128 United games he presided over. For much of the past year, he did so without a natural left-back.

The long-term setback to Tyrell Malacia and persistent injuries to Luke Shaw have seen Diogo Dalot deputise there, sometimes reprieved by the use of Victor Lindelof and the now-departed Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Shaw last played in the final of Euro 2024, which was the first time he had completed 90 minutes since United’s dramatic 4-3 win over Wolves on February 1. He took to the field 17 days later against Luton Town, which still marks his most recent appearance for United.

Shaw has now suffered another injury setback, while Malacia - who himself has not played for the club since May 2023 - has yet to return, having hit a number of hurdles in his recovery from major knee surgery nearly 17 months ago.

Ten Hag failed to