Ruben Amorim's breakthrough: Manchester United's best XI comes to life
Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim may have turned a corner after a turbulent start to his tenure.
A thrilling draw against Liverpool highlighted a lineup that combined tactical balance with standout individual performances, offering hope for a brighter future under his leadership.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo explores how Amorim’s tactical tweaks revealed Manchester United’s strongest XI in their draw at Anfield.
From turbulence to stability
Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United has been marked by experimentation and teething problems as the Portuguese manager sought to implement his 3-4-2-1 system.
However, Sunday’s spirited 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield may have finally revealed his strongest lineup, showcasing the potential of a team that had previously struggled for consistency.
A tactical evolution
Since arriving in mid-November, Amorim has faced significant challenges adapting United's squad to his preferred system. Early results were disappointing, with six losses in his first 12 games.
Much of the turbulence stemmed from the frequent chopping and changing of personnel as Amorim worked to identify players capable of executing his vision.
Sunday's starting XI, however, highlighted the fruits of his labour.
The lineup featured Andre Onana in goal, with Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martinez forming a solid back three.
Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot operated as dynamic wingbacks, providing width and energy on both flanks.
The midfield saw Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo form a dynamic partnership, combining defensive stability with creative transitions.
Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo occupied the two advanced playmaking roles, threading passes and linking up play just behind Rasmus Hojlund, who led the line with energy and intent.
READ MORE: Man Utd analysis: Point made as Ruben Amorim’s impressive Red Devils hold Liverpool at Anfield
Standout performers
Ugarte was a standout performer, delivering his best display in a United shirt. His composure, defensive contributions, and ability to progress the ball were key to United’s improved performance.
The Uruguayan midfielder had endured a rocky start at Old Trafford, but under Amorim’s guidance, he has grown in confidence and influence.
Former United great Paul Scholes praised Ugarte’s performance, highlighting his positional awareness and willingness to take responsibility in both attack and defence.
Diallo also shone, showcasing his intelligence and creativity in the advanced role. His link-up play with Fernandes was a constant threat to Liverpool’s defence, and his late equaliser capped a brilliant individual display.
Fernandes, returning to the side as captain, delivered a performance that underlined his importance to the team. His leadership and vision were instrumental in United’s spirited second-half comeback.
The wingbacks, Mazraoui and Dalot, were relentless in their efforts, providing width and contributing to both defence and attack.
Mazraoui’s ability to stretch the play complemented Dalot’s incisive runs, giving United the balance they had often lacked in previous games.
Meanwhile, the back three of de Ligt, Maguire, and Martinez offered a sturdy foundation, with Martinez’s composure on the ball and de Ligt’s aerial dominance standing out.
Rasmus Hojlund, leading the line, showed glimpses of his potential with intelligent movement and tireless pressing. While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, his work rate and ability to occupy defenders created space for his teammates to exploit.
Much to look forward to
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation appears to be clicking, and the performance against Liverpool felt like a blueprint for United’s future under his leadership.
The intensity and cohesion on display were a marked improvement from earlier in the season, and the team’s ability to respond to adversity was a testament to the growing belief within the squad.
Scholes, speaking after the game, emphasised the importance of building on this performance. “This has to be the standard now,” he said.
“The manager should know his players by now, and this XI looks like it could be the best fit for his system. They’ve set a benchmark, and it’s up to them to maintain it.”
United’s next challenge comes in the FA Cup third round against Arsenal, a game that will test their ability to sustain the intensity and quality shown at Anfield.
If Amorim’s side can replicate this level of performance, it could mark the beginning of a turnaround in their season.
READ NEXT: Premier League news: Lisandro Martinez, Ross Barkley, Erling Haaland star in team of the week
