The rumors are swirling: could Ruben Amorim's managerial strategies be a ticking time bomb for Manchester United? According to seasoned reporters, a critical flaw in his approach could thwart any chance at success in the demanding bustle of the Premier League.

The Tactics Under Fire

Upon taking the reins from Erik ten Hag, Amorim immediately implemented his favored 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 formation at Old Trafford. His first move? Signing specialist wing-back Patrick Dorgu in January, followed by an aggressive revamp of the forward line during the summer transfer window with the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko.

When the Defense Becomes the Offense

However, the tactical setup raises eyebrows. Following a disappointing 3-0 derby defeat, reporters Laurie Whitwell and Carl Anka pointed out a startling statistic: Dorgu led all players with 12 touches in the opposition box—more than the so-called talismen Erling Haaland, Mbeumo, and Sesko combined.

Is it Okay to Rely on a Full-Back?

Whitwell expressed disbelief at the idea that a 20-year-old full-back like Dorgu could be deemed United's most crucial creative force. "It doesn’t feel right when Bruno Fernandes, a seasoned chance creator, had zero touches in the opposition box while Dorgu stepped up."

Overcomplicating the Game?

Co-host Anka chimed in, suggesting that Amorim's method might be overly complex for a league that increasingly favors straightforward, effective play. The concern here isn’t merely about tactics but also the alarming tendency of a coach to create problems instead of solving them.

An Unsustainable Strategy

Anka cautioned against the unrealistic expectation of a young wing-back carrying the weight of offensive progression while also fulfilling defensive duties. "There were moments when attackers like Haaland exploited Dorgu's positioning, clearly illustrating the risks of this approach," he noted.

Learning from the Best: City and Liverpool

Even elite clubs that use a back-three, like Manchester City and Liverpool, don't rely on wing-backs as primary scoring threats. If City were to adopt Amorim's tactics, Rayan Ait-Nouri would be pushed into the spotlight in ways that would sideline their star strikers.

Can't Sacrifice Defense for Attack

For Amorim’s tactics to flourish, he needs wing-backs who are exceptionally good on both fronts, something that’s increasingly rare. The possible solution of deploying players like Amad Diallo could compromise United's already shaky defense.

The Future Looking Grim?

If Ruben Amorim remains steadfast in his approach without adjustments, Manchester United may find themselves in a holding pattern, unable to rise through the ranks—or worse, backslide.

What Comes Next?

As the pressure mounts, the murmurs of potential replacements are already surfacing. Can United pivot fast enough to salvage the season before it spirals further out of control?