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BOURNEMOUTH captain Adam Smith stated that Manchester United’s newly adjusted formation was challenging to manage but also left the home team exposed to being “punished.”
For the first time as United's manager, he deviated from his preferred 3-4-3 formation, experimenting with a fresh system during a match against the Cherries on Monday night.
Manchester United showcased their best attacking performance of the seasonCredit: Getty
However, United suffered due to poor defending, conceding four goals to BournemouthCredit: Getty
Bournemouth may have been second-best in the first half, but they netted four impressive goals, often capitalizing on transitionsCredit: Getty
At first glance, the match against Andoni Iraola’s team might not suggest that the formation change yielded positive results, yet United appeared much sharper in attack, particularly during an explosive first half.
Amorim remarked before kick-off that United would need to “adapt” when they lose players to the Africa Cup of Nations and emphasized that his team “must learn from past mistakes.”
Upon the release of the team sheets, it seemed that Amorim had assembled a back three consisting of Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and another player, with the usual wing-backs.
However, as the match commenced, United's approach shifted. Yoro assumed a more traditional right-back role, while Shaw tucked in alongside Heaven, with Dalot out on the left.
Amad, who scored the opener, advanced further up the pitch to join Bruno Fernandes in support of the attack.
This created a 4-1-3-2 formation, featuring Mbeumo and Cunha as strikers, Amad on the right, Mount on the left, and Fernandes in the No. 10 position.
The formation later transitioned to a 4-4-2 when United possessed the ball.
Nevertheless, defender Smith noted that while United’s formation change disrupted his team’s rhythm, it also created gaps that left Amorim’s side vulnerable.
Smith commented: “The change is incredibly challenging to defend against. Mount drops deep, Dalot pushes high. Shaw occasionally moves very wide, and Cunha drops back.
Their style of play is quite difficult to contend with.”
Adam Smith highlighted the double-edged nature of United’s new tacticsCredit: Getty
Both United and Bournemouth delivered an exhilarating match for fansCredit: AP
“Conversely, on the counter, they can be severely punished. Perhaps that contributed to the high scoreline,” he added.
When United found themselves trailing 3-2, Amorim switched to a 4-4-2 formation, and at times during the second half, he opted for a more aggressive 4-2-4 setup.
Smith noted: “We attempted to slow the pace at times, but the crowd was electrifying. They were impressive, and as I mentioned, United is a strong team.
“They brought on additional attackers, and it felt reminiscent of a basketball game with end-to-end action. I’m sure it was a thrilling match for neutrals.”
United appeared to be in their best attacking form under Amorim, registering 17 shots in the first half, the highest of any Premier League team this season.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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