TA: Amorim used the 3-4-3 formation at the beginning of his coaching career. If he wants to change it, he will have to change his mind.
TA wrote that Manchester United coach Amorim has been controversial for insisting on using the 3-4-3 formation. Although he has publicly stated that he "will not change" his philosophy, he has also repeatedly hinted that the system will eventually "evolve."
Looking back at the starting point of Amorim’s coaching career, we may be able to find the answer. Amorim's coaching career began in 2018 as an "intern" at Casa Pia, a semi-professional team in the Portuguese third division. He didn't get off to a smooth start. He initially used the 4-4-2 formation he was familiar with as a player, but suffered two consecutive defeats. According to the memories of players who worked with him at the time, it was after these two losses that Amorim decisively switched to a 3-4-3 formation in the third game.
The tactical logic behind this change stems from Amorim’s observations of modern football. He found that many teams would form a three-back structure when attacking and put the full-backs first, thus investing five attackers in the frontcourt. A traditional back four would struggle when faced with this numerical advantage. Therefore, he adopts a three-center-back system and can retreat into five defenders when defending to ensure balance on the defensive end and avoid being overwhelmed by opponents in numbers.
This tactical adjustment has immediate results. Casapia immediately started a six-game winning streak and was eventually promoted that season. Amorim's philosophy and training methods convinced the players that even after he resigned due to a one-year suspension due to lack of coaching qualifications, the team still used the 3-4-3 system he left behind. Former player Kikas even said: "If I were a coach, my tactics would be 3-4-3. It is better for ball control, pressure and offensive and defensive balance."
Another former player Fonseca believes that the "dynamic" principle under the formation is more critical. He pointed out that even in the 4-4-2 period, Amorim's tactics also contained the shadow of 3-4-3. Regarding Amorim's persistence at Manchester United, Fonseca believes: "Because he truly believes in his ideas. It may not mean much to the fans, but the results are not good, but he still believes that he can succeed."
Although Amorim himself claimed that his system will "evolve" and once said "one day I must change", he has never deviated from 3-4-3 since making that key change in Casapia seven years ago. Perhaps, as he himself said, he only does things he "believes in." Unless he one day once again believes from the bottom of his heart that change is necessary, United fans may have to continue to adapt to the manager's tactical obsession.
