Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has told his players that “a change is coming” as he prepares to adjust his long-favoured system ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, according to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell.
Amorim reportedly addressed the squad before last week’s win over Wolves, hinting that a tactical evolution was now inevitable due to upcoming absences and injuries. United are expected to move away from the 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 shape that has defined Amorim’s tenure so far.
Amorim signals formation change with AFCON absences looming
Whitwell reports that Amorim informed his players the Wolves match would be played using the usual setup, but emphasised that United must think “more deeply” about how to adapt once Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) leave for AFCON.
All three have been central to United’s right side this season – Mbeumo and Amad operating as twin No.10s, Mazraoui as the right wing-back, and occasionally the right-sided centre-back. With their departure imminent, Amorim has intensified work on a 4-3-3 structure during training.
According to Whitwell, a “significant amount of time” was spent preparing in that shape before facing Bournemouth, including pressing schemes built from a 4-3-3 defensive system.
Amorim himself later hinted that changes were coming, saying United would need to “adapt a little bit the way we are going to play” without Amad and Mbeumo due to their “very unique characteristics”.
The AFCON absences arrive at the same time Amorim is dealing with defensive injuries. Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are currently out, leaving Lisandro Martínez, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven as the only fully fit centre-backs.
That lack of depth makes a back four more practical in the coming weeks, particularly if AFCON players remain available for Bournemouth but leave immediately afterwards.
Whitwell adds that United have been negotiating with the Moroccan, Cameroonian and Ivorian federations over reporting dates, with FIFA now requiring release just seven days before the tournament. Mazraoui appears the most likely absentee for Bournemouth, but uncertainty remains over all three.
Amorim described the situation as “frustrating”, but said preparing “every scenario” was necessary. United will not confirm the players’ availability until they arrive at Old Trafford tonight.
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