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Ruben Amorim tipped to hand lifeline to Man Utd star Erik ten Hag wanted to sell
Ruben Amorim Could Revive Harry Maguire’s Manchester United Career
New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is being tipped to offer Harry Maguire a fresh start at Old Trafford by utilizing the defender in his favored 3-4-3 formation.
Amorim, who began his tenure with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, is known for deploying a back three during his successful spell at Sporting Lisbon. This system could provide Maguire with the structure and support to regain his confidence and secure regular playing time.
A System Suited for Maguire
Football pundit Mark Lawrenson believes Maguire could thrive in the central role of a back three. “If Harry Maguire plays as the middle of Amorim’s back three, he’ll be comfortable. It’s just that he doesn’t have that half a yard of pace,” Lawrenson told Paddy Power.In this setup, Maguire would be flanked by quicker, more agile defenders, reducing his exposure to one-on-one situations while allowing him to focus on his strengths, such as aerial duels and distributing from the back.
Maguire’s Recent Struggles
Maguire’s standing at United has declined in recent years. He was stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag in 2023 and saw limited game time under the Dutch manager, who reportedly planned to sell him in January. Despite interest from West Ham, Maguire chose to stay at United, where he regained some playing time but remained a peripheral figure.
This season, Maguire faces intense competition from Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Jonny Evans. With Amorim’s arrival, the English defender now has an opportunity to stake a claim for a starting role.
Amorim’s Challenge
Amorim’s immediate priority is to deliver results, with upcoming matches against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League and Everton in the Premier League. Balancing squad integration while addressing defensive vulnerabilities will be key to his success. If Maguire proves he can adapt to Amorim’s tactical approach, he could play a significant role in the new manager’s plans.
What’s Next for Maguire?
Harry Maguire has made five Premier League appearances this season but did not feature in Erik ten Hag’s final match or during Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim stint. With Amorim now at the helm, the 3-4-3 system offers a lifeline for the defender to revive his career at Old Trafford. Whether Maguire can seize the opportunity remains to be seen.
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