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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

Rodrigo Mora. You have caught my eye tonight. First start for Porto and he performed magnificently, just 17 years old.

ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 15/12/2024

The psychological strength of United’s squad is an area which hasn’t been improved upon for some time. I think you can clearly see a team that lacks psychological strength, some cues are: - can the team protect leads? - how does the team react to setbacks? - how does the team react in chaos?

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 30/11/2024

You need players on the pitch that can react to situations quicker than your opponents do. This can be in the form of getting to the ball first, understanding where the space is first, or simply making that on ball decision before the opponent has time to react.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Whilst Amorim builds at United, I feel like Twitter is going to be a worse and worse place to be. Already read today that he should give up the 3-4-3 and switch to a 4-2-3-1 on paper. Don’t think a lot of Utd’s fanbase has the patience to wait for big changes that will take lots of time, tbh.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Overall, wasn’t a good half. Nothing on Amorim tho, can’t be expected to change all that much overnight. Important to know this isn’t his preferred XI as well, some key players to return, maybe even in the 2nd half + beyond this game. Patience.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Overall, this team clearly lacks the physical prowess, whether this be covering ground, being able to press with intensity throughout, win duels and/or know how to manage them. + the same decision making problems up top from the same personnel…

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

United’s temperament as a team has been poor. Tempo setting isn’t there, players unable to receive on the turn in central areas and hold possession under pressure. Forward players without the necessary duel power to give United an outlet (vs what Gyökeres usually does).

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Ahhh, the left footed RWB. How many times will we see this move tried today?

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

I believe the way I’m feeling right now ahead of Amorim’s first game is “hyped”.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Thank you so much for reading this thread. If you got this far, then thanks so much for staying until the end. I had to miss out some details I wanted to include, but I will touch on these in due course (character, academy). Hopefully this is the beginning of something special.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Amorim has used a more direct CF with ball to feet # 10s and a more ball to feet CF with direct # 10s, United has a mixture that can be used. Amorim has also used Pedro G as a pivot player when expected to hold the majority of possession, which means Bruno could play deeper.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Demands Per Position - #9 Many parallels drawn between Gyökeres and Højlund -> the latter does run the channels well -> this is important for Amorim, as mentioned previously. Rashford also seems a possible fit for left-leaning #9 under Amorim. + Zirkzee w/more direct runners.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Knowing when to make a +1 in build-up Back to goal play when drop in deep + pressed -> turn under pressure? Play in tight spaces when facing deeper block Underlaps when WBs in possession wide Carrying out pressing duties + reading triggers (e.g. when ball goes wide to FB)

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Demands Per Position - # 10s Amorim has showed flexibility in these positions -> generally uses an #8/10 and inverted winger, hence Bruno, Mount, Amad good fits. He has also used a more explosive winger here, Rashford/Garnacho could also play here depending on #9.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Demands Per Position - CMs Part of front press, thus intensity Building stay-go relationship (staggered CMs) Deeper CM 3-1 rest defence vs certain opp -> screening qualities Higher CM push up in 4-2-2-2, runs on last line Holding ball under press, wall passes

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Short term (until Shaw/Malacia back to full match sharpness), expect Dalot and Mazraoui as WBs- build foundations. Manage the “load” of Shaw -> LCB better option to reduce physical demands compared to LWB? Garnacho/Antony most suited to WB roles from United’s wingers.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Demands Per Position - WBs Engine, intensity -> press forwards and run back Flexibility (comfort in FB, WB, winger areas of the pitch) Use of inside foot -> see chance creation method 1 1 vs 1 separation techniques Final product -> cutbacks, crosses

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Neither Maguire nor De Ligt can go into pivot. Hence Amorim will have to compromise in one particular area, and I think he’ll opt for the increased physical presence and perhaps adapt the build-up slightly. LCB -> pivot and move CCB across? 3-4-3 transitions into 4-2-2-2.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Demands Per Position - CCB For goal kicks, the CCB often goes into the pivot, which suits Martinez + then less channel defending. However, being the CCB demands a strong aerial presence -> Amorim has opted for Coates, Diomande in the past. Martinez possibly better fit at LCB?

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Demands Per Position- Wide CBs - Ball progression -> finding forward passes into # 10s in pockets - Channel Defending -> adaptation to be comfortable defending channels when WB pushes up Overall, investment needed in CBs to sign more players who meet both demands.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Adaptation to United: Various possibilities for Amorim’s Utd lineup in the short-run, and some areas where he’ll have to adapt dynamics or simply buy the profiles he needs. He has already mentioned it’s “I choose always 100% my way.” Possible lineup in short-run:

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Typically, Amorim will set up in a mid-block in settled defence, but isn’t frightened to switch between high/mid/low block when necessary. Usually 5-2-3 / 5-4-1 shape. When using an 8/10 as one of the 3 forward players (Pedro G/Bruno) easy to transition to 5-3-2 (vs city).

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

The spaces which the pivot players have to cover depend a lot on whether the CBs go man to man on the #10/CF of the opponent. From what I’ve seen, this is situation-dependent. Here, both Ignacio and Diomande follow the #10 and CF to regain possession.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Getting back into defensive positions quickly is something which Amorim worked on in training this week + talked about in his press conference. Very high demands on the pivot players and WBs. “We have to be better running back.” UTD will need to improve A LOT physically.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Press - Example 2 However, the press isn’t always cohesive. There’s occasions when Sporting have gone to press high, with the defensive line dropping off and the opp. #10/CF with space between the lines. They do however get back very quickly.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Phases 3 and 4: A tidier pass from Sporting’s left #10 and they could have capitalised in transition - nevertheless, possession regained.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Press- Example 1 Let's break this press down into different phases. Phases 1 and 2 -> inviting the ball into the centre.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Unlike ETH’s Utd, where the FB would very often not back up the press onto the opposition’s FB, we’ve seen this less often at Sporting. I've noticed Sporting's press has been stronger out wide, but slightly weak centrally at times, with some holes between attack-defence.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Amorim’s Sporting tend to press with a front 5, composed of the CF, 10s and pivot players -> sometimes joined by a wing-back. The front 5 tend to press the ball side, with the back 5 often going strictly man to man. Aim -> Prevent Central Progression

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Press Overall, Amorim’s Sporting aren’t the most intense pressing side in Portugal (PPDA= Passes allowed per defensive action), but that doesn’t mean they do or can not press well overall. Let’s look at the theory and evidence behind their press:

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Chance Creation - Method 4 Gyökeres’ runs in the left channel. This is a common way Sporting create chances, using Gyökeres’ power to separate from defenders, even when isolated in transition -> possibly replicated using Højlund’s strong channel play.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Chance Creation - Method 3 I’ve noticed Amorim’s team use up-back-through patterns to find the wing-back in space. #10 -> CF -> RCM -> RWB - CF back to goal, used as the axis. WBs in 1 vs 1 situations -> hence use of wingers there.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Chance Creation - Method 2 We also see constant underlaps from the # 10s when the wing-back has the ball wide, who then get cut-backs and crosses into the box. This is in fact something that we’ve seen practised in United’s training sessions with Mount and Amad underlapping.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Let’s analyse the final 2 phases of this move: Phase 3 -> opposition back 4, (transitioning into 3) Phase 4-> opposition back 3, (only 2 can impact the game at this stage) Sporting manipulated the Rio Ave block, dragging opp. players out to exploit the space in behind.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

There are four phases to this move. Let’s talk about the first two: Phase 1 -> opposition back 5 Phase 2-> opposition back 4

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Chance Creation - Method 1 Sporting like to overload the last line, not just numerically but also w/intense runs. A common move: -> find WB in space and play inside foot pass in behind opp backline. Let’s break this goal down in the next tweet.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Chance Creation How does Amorim set his team up to try to break teams down? In more settled possession, we generally see a mixture of the 3-1-6 and 3-2-5 shapes, the extent to which he uses these shapes depends on the “quality” of the opponent. 3-1-6 -> Rio Ave 3-2-5 -> Porto

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

We can understand the demands of the more defensive pivot player by looking at the profiles Amorim has used in the past, with more ball winner profiles such as Palhinha, Ugarte, Hjulmand all being used for wall passes rather than as progressive distributors from deep.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

As Sporting don’t build up directly through the middle, the pivot players don't have to necessarily be superb ball players, rather offer wall passes to wide CBs who have more onus to progress play (suits Ugarte). If the CCB moves into the pivot, then often the LCM moves higher.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

We see Sporting trying to invite the press and then play around or directly through, rather than many short intricate passes. The whole idea from Amorim is to get the ball forward as quickly as possible into the dynamic forward players -> different baiting to De Zerbi’s.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Build-Up -> Variation 4 (3-2/3-1) When building attacks in more advanced positions of their own half, we often see a more expected and standard setup. Three CBs at the base with one 6/two 6s in front, 10s in the half spaces between the lines and the wing-backs high and wide.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Build-Up -> Variation 3 3-2 Build-Up + GK with Box Midfield -CCB into pivot -Left # 10 drops deep (drags Kovacic away from centre) - Gyökeres drops into space vacated Physical demands on CMs, CB's eye for a pass, 10s making overloads, CF's movement...

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Trincão and Gyökeres perform this move so well, with the former being really good in tight spaces, being able to turn away from pressure well. And the latter running the channels well, using his burst of power to terrorise defenders. Possible protagonists for this move at Utd?

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Build-Up -> Variation 2 Another variation is the 2-4 shape, with a #10 dropping deep, with the #9 preferring the run down the left channel. Sporting will often build up short initially, but like to get the ball forward soon after.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Build-Up -> Variation 1 From goal kicks, we often see the two wide CBs split, with the CCB in the pivot with a #6. - CCB positioning= attracts Foden to Sporting’s RHS - Mahrez “gambles” to block pass to LCB - LWB wide, LCM pushes up

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Let’s begin with the basics. How does an “Amorim” team play? With flexible direct play, is how I’d describe it. His team have played in a 3-4-3/3-4-2-1 formation on paper, but there's so many variations in shapes on the pitch - which we'll discuss below. Example of XI:

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

With Ruben Amorim arriving in Manchester with A LOT of work to do to get United performing in the short-run, but also to work alongside INEOS to restore some long-term consistent success at the club, what can we expect from the former Sporting manager?

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

RUBEN AMORIM - TACTICAL BREAKDOWN THREAD 🧵 - Tactical Identity - In Possession -> Build-Up, Chance Creation - Out of Possession -> Press, Settled Defence - Adaptation to United Squad - Possible Team Selection - Demands Per Position

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

The thread I’m posting tomorrow on Ruben Amorim is going to be a long, detailed one. I’m hoping it will be engaging and informative for everyone. It’s not possible to include every single detail, but I’ve tried to find the best balance I can between the areas I’ve talked about. Tomorrow night.

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ThreadmanChaza @threadmanchaza.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

I’ve been in Edinburgh for the last couple of days, can safely say it’s one of the best places I’ve ever been to. Possibly my 2nd favourite place in the UK (after Old Trafford of course).

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