🚨 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐦 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Since Ruben Amorim took over at Manchester United, one of the biggest tactical dilemmas he faced was how to integrate Alejandro Garnacho into his system. The Argentine winger, known for his blistering pace and attacking flair, had always been a natural wide player, but Amorim’s tactical philosophy required a more hybrid role. The primary question was whether to deploy Garnacho as a wing-back (WB) or a left attacking midfielder (LAM). Amorim initially opted for the latter, but it quickly became clear that a more refined approach was needed.

Had he started Garnacho as a wing-back from the beginning, he would have still faced the same issue: Garnacho’s defensive deficiencies. His attacking instincts meant that he often left gaps at the back, which could be easily exploited by opposition teams. This forced Amorim to rethink his approach, leading to a tactical shift that has since yielded positive results.

𝐒𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞?

Garnacho had been playing as a wide attacker for most of his career but was now being asked to operate in the half-space, a role that did not suit him. He struggled with positioning and decision-making in central areas, often losing the ball under pressure. His natural inclination was to take on defenders and drive towards the byline, rather than operate in tight spaces between the opposition’s defensive lines. This mismatch in role and skillset affected United’s overall attacking balance.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐦’𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

Rather than forcing Garnacho to adapt to a role that limited his strengths, Amorim decided to allow him more positional freedom. The tactical tweak was simple but effective: Garnacho would hold the width when United were in possession but invert when the team was defending. This way, he could still exploit his pace and dribbling ability in attack while contributing defensively when needed.

🔴𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞 1: In United’s build-up phase, Noussair Mazraoui was seen inverting into central areas while Garnacho remained wide. This ensured that United maintained width in attack, preventing the opposition from compressing the space.

🔴𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞 2: When Fulham gained possession, United’s defensive shape changed. Mazraoui would push wide to hold the width defensively, while Garnacho tucked inside to provide central cover. This helped United maintain a compact shape, preventing the opposition from exploiting central areas.

🔴𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞 3: A perfect example of Garnacho’s pressing intelligence came during a goal-kick sequence against FCSB. As the opposition full-back moved wide, Garnacho started centrally, allowing him to press aggressively and intercept a pass before the wide player could receive it. His speed and positioning allowed United to regain possession high up the pitch.

🔴𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞 4: In another attacking sequence, Garnacho was seen operating out wide, while Diogo Dalot positioned himself centrally. This positioning created multiple attacking options—Garnacho could take on his man and deliver a cutback to Dalot, who was in a prime position to either shoot or recycle possession. This fluid movement created unpredictable attacking patterns for United.

🔴𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞 5: United’s offensive shape highlighted the effectiveness of Amorim’s tactical adjustments. Garnacho occupied the wide area, stretching the opposition defense, while Dalot inverted inside. This allowed United to attack with six players, giving them multiple options—through balls to Dalot, wide passes to Garnacho, or shots from Lisandro Martínez. The result? A much more dynamic and fluid attacking setup.

The impact of this tactical shift has been significant. Garnacho, previously criticized for taking too many wayward shots, is now contributing more assists. His ability to find teammates in dangerous positions has improved drastically, showing that Amorim’s adjustments have unlocked a new dimension in his game.

This kind of positional fluidity is what Amorim has been trying to implement since his arrival. By allowing players like Garnacho and Dalot to interchange roles fluidly, United’s attack has become less predictable and harder to defend against. The emphasis on movement, spacing, and intelligent positioning has transformed the left-hand side of United’s attack into a serious problem for opposition defenses.

Amorim’s philosophy revolves around maximizing the strengths of his players rather than forcing them into rigid tactical frameworks. By giving Garnacho the freedom to play to his strengths while still ensuring defensive stability, he has struck the perfect balance.

The numbers back up this tactical success. Garnacho’s assist count has increased, proving that his involvement in playmaking scenarios has grown. Instead of being a one-dimensional winger who only looks to cut inside and shoot, he now plays a key role in creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.

This newfound tactical flexibility has made United’s attack far more unpredictable. By attacking with five to six players in advanced positions, Amorim ensures that United can overwhelm defenses. The movement of Dalot and Mazraoui, combined with Garnacho’s width and directness, creates endless possibilities in the final third.

This approach also allows United to press higher up the pitch, suffocating teams and forcing errors. Garnacho’s newfound defensive awareness ensures that he contributes to the press while still being in a position to launch rapid counter-attacks.

Amorim has certainly found the key to unlocking Garnacho’s full potential. By allowing him to operate in his natural wide position while making subtle defensive adjustments, he has created a system that benefits both the player and the team. Garnacho is now a more complete attacker, balancing creativity with tactical discipline.

Maybe next time, we’ll dive deeper into positional fluidity and how it influences matches. For now, one thing is clear—Amorim’s tactical adjustments have made Manchester United a far more dangerous and dynamic team in attack.