Man Utd Players Struggling to Adapt to Amorim’s Tactics, Hojlund Reveals

Manchester United’s summer signing, Rasmus Højlund, has opened up about the challenges the club’s players are facing in adapting to new manager Ruben Amorim’s tactical system. The Danish forward, who joined the Red Devils from Atalanta, highlighted the complexity of Amorim’s approach and emphasized that it will take time for the players to fully adjust to his demands. This candid admission has sparked a fresh debate about the club’s ongoing transition and what it means for the team’s prospects this season.

A New Era at Manchester United

Since taking over from Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim has been tasked with reviving Manchester United’s fortunes, after a series of inconsistent performances under the previous manager. Amorim, known for his tactical acumen at Sporting CP, has built a reputation for his high-pressing, fluid attacking style, which contrasts sharply with the more pragmatic approaches of his predecessors. His methods, while exciting, demand a high level of understanding and cohesion from the players, which has posed significant challenges for a squad still adapting to the new philosophy.

Amorim’s tactics are built around a dynamic pressing game, fast transitions, and possession-based football, all designed to wear down the opposition and control matches. The idea is to break down teams with quick passes and positional rotations, often leaving little room for individual freedom in certain phases of play. While these principles have shown promise, the implementation has not been without hurdles. The players, many of whom have been accustomed to a more rigid, traditional approach, are finding it difficult to adapt to Amorim’s more fluid and aggressive demands.

Højlund’s Insight Into the Struggles

Rasmus Højlund, who has impressed in glimpses since his arrival at Old Trafford, has become one of the more vocal figures regarding the tactical adjustment. Speaking after the club’s recent match, the 20-year-old striker explained the challenges players face in embracing Amorim’s vision.

“It’s been tough for everyone,” Højlund admitted. “Amorim’s system is complex and demands a lot of movement off the ball. We’re still learning how to position ourselves in the right spaces at the right time. The pressing game requires an understanding of how to move as a unit, and we haven’t yet mastered that.”

Højlund’s comments resonate with many fans and pundits who have noted that Manchester United’s attacking play, while promising, has been inconsistent this season. While the team shows flashes of brilliance, their overall rhythm often appears disjointed, especially when they are forced to press high up the pitch or break down stubborn defenses.

The Danish forward, known for his speed and physicality, has been seen as a key part of the attacking setup under Amorim, and his ability to stretch defenses has been crucial in providing Manchester United with a more direct route to goal. However, even he acknowledges that the tactical changes required have been challenging for players still adapting to Amorim’s approach.

A Season of Transition

The difficulties faced by Manchester United’s players are a reflection of the broader transition the club is undergoing. Amorim, despite his impressive track record with Sporting CP, is still in the early stages of his tenure at Old Trafford, and such transitions are rarely smooth. The team’s performance, while showing promise in patches, has not been as fluid or effective as many had hoped at the start of the season.

Part of the issue lies in the fact that Amorim’s system requires total commitment from all players, especially those who are still accustomed to playing under a different tactical framework. For example, the midfielders need to be more fluid in their roles, switching between defensive and offensive duties, while the attackers must become more involved in pressing and counter-pressing situations. Additionally, Amorim’s reliance on full-backs to provide width and create overloads has forced changes in the roles of United’s defenders, who must now push higher up the pitch than they did under Ten Hag.

For some players, this new system represents a massive shift in their playing style. Midfielders like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, who were once the heart of United’s more controlled and structured build-up play, are being asked to operate in a more dynamic and reactive system. The wide players, including Marcus Rashford, have also had to adjust their positioning, with Amorim asking them to track back more defensively and play more within the team structure rather than focusing on individual flair.

The Need for Patience

Despite the struggles, both Højlund and Amorim have urged Manchester United’s supporters to remain patient as the players continue to adapt. Amorim, who has previously spoken about the challenges of implementing his high-intensity philosophy, emphasized that Rome wasn’t built in a day. “The players are working hard,” Amorim said in a recent press conference. “We are changing the way they think about football, and that’s never easy. It takes time, but we’re on the right path.”

While it’s clear that Manchester United’s squad has the individual talent to succeed under Amorim’s system, the key to their success will be whether they can find the cohesion necessary to make the system work consistently. This season may very well be a transitional one, with results being mixed as the players continue to adjust. However, the signs of progress are visible, particularly in the moments when the team does execute Amorim’s tactics to perfection, controlling the ball and pressing high up the pitch.

Looking Ahead: Optimism and Challenges

As the season progresses, Manchester United’s supporters will be hoping to see more consistency in the team’s performances. Højlund’s honesty about the challenges facing the squad provides a refreshing dose of realism, but it also points to a belief that, with time, the system will click. Amorim’s tactical approach has the potential to bring an exciting new chapter to the club, one that could elevate Manchester United back into contention for top honors.

For now, though, it’s clear that patience will be key. The road to success under Ruben Amorim may be bumpy, but the rewards could be significant if the players can learn to master his demanding system. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this season is one of growth and gradual improvement, or a more tumultuous year of transition. With the backing of both the manager and the fans, Manchester United has the potential to emerge stronger on the other side.