In a league where strategic adjustments can make all the difference, Manchester United's manager, Ruben Amorim, stands his ground with unwavering determination. Despite his team amassing a mere 31 points in as many matches and suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat against Manchester City, Amorim insists, "I’m not going to change my philosophy." But is that a luxury he can afford?

At the heart of United's struggles lies a rigid tactical setup that has become painfully predictable. Opposition teams have figured out how to dismantle them with remarkable ease—no complex soccer genius needed.

1. A Dysfunctional Midfield: A Recipe for Disaster

The most glaring issue facing United is its chronically underperforming midfield. Utilizing only two central midfielders puts them at a disadvantage, particularly against teams employing a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, which occupy the middle of the park with three players. Bruno Fernandes, though hard-working, finds himself outnumbered and often unaware in critical situations—like during City’s opener or Fulham’s equalizer.

2. The Pressing Conundrum: Confusion on the Field

When it comes to pressing, there’s a lack of consensus among United's players. A confused Fernandes recently described trying to press City’s Rodri, highlighting the disarray in the squad’s communication and strategy. Players like Manuel Ugarte dive into challenges without proper coordination, further exposing the team’s fragility.

3. An Attack That Can’t Find the Net

Despite United’s efficient counter-attacking strategy this season, their conversion rate is abysmal. Although they’ve attempted more shots than any team, only a meager 5.7% have hit the back of the net. Even after an extravagant £200 million spending spree, their lack of finishing prowess remains a significant stumbling block.

4. Wing-Back Woes: A Loss of Creativity

Amorim's wing-backs have failed to deliver effective crosses or contribute to goal-scoring opportunities. In contrast to other successful teams, United's wing-backs have collectively failed to score any league goals. This lack of offensive production highlights a severe flaw in their attacking strategy.

5. A Goalkeeping Crisis: More Questions Than Answers

Even the goalkeeper position remains shaky, with Altay Bayindir's anxious performances compounding United's issues. His inability to connect with the backline restricts opportunities to build from the back, forcing the team to resort to long balls.

A Call for Change: Is Amorim Willing?

Ruben Amorim needs to consider a tactical shake-up. Witnessing the success of rivals who employ a back-four with dynamic full-backs can provide a blueprint for his reinvention. Adapting his philosophy could mean giving Fernandes more freedom to operate in advanced positions while finding a role for rising stars like Kobbie Mainoo.

The road ahead won’t be easy, but one thing’s for sure: if Amorim insists on sticking to his outdated strategies, he may find himself at the center of a continuing saga filled with missed opportunities and glaring defeats.