Ruben Amorim is getting what he wanted from Manchester United positional switch

Ruben Amorim's appointment as head coach back in November risked sending a shiver down the spines of one or two Manchester United players.

Following their decision to axe Erik ten Hag, United earmarked Amorim as their first-choice target to replace the Dutchman, moving swiftly to extract him from the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.

United identified the 40-year-old as their top target because they felt he was the ideal candidate to bring a clear identity to Old Trafford. He had overseen his fair share of success at Sporting Lisbon, inspired by his trademark 3-4-2-1 system.

Amorim's three-at-the-back system had the capacity to bring something fresh to Old Trafford. Nevertheless, the new system has brought with it some teething problems.

The biggest change generated by United moving to a three-man defence was the eradication of wide roles for natural wingers. Amorim's system is built on width being provided by athletic wing-backs, who are equally comfortable when defending and attacking.

That meant Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Amad would have no doubt been left pondering where and how they would fit into Amorim's plans. Rashford and Antony, of course, were sent out on loan in January, but both Garnacho and Amad have been central to Amorim's thinking since his appointment.

Garnacho was one of just three players to keep his place in the starting XI for Sunday's 4-3 defeat at Brentford from the 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao less than 72 hours earlier and he rewarded Amorim's thinking by scoring his 11th goal of the season and providing an assist.

His second half curler, which was nothing more than a consolation effort, ensured this season will mark his most profitable in front of goal of his career so far,