Ruben Amorin to Man United: What will happen to Erik's Ajax boys at United?

With Ruben Amorim set to take charge of the managerial duties at Manchester United, questions loom over the future of Erik ten Hag’s former Ajax players, who were central to his vision for rebuilding the club. Players like Antony and Lisandro Martínez, have been vital in implementing Ten Hag’s style.

Yet Amorim’s distinct tactical approach may require new adjustments. As United fans anticipate a new era under Amorim, the fate of these Ajax alumni remains uncertain. Will they adapt to Amorim’s philosophy, or could they find themselves on the edge of his plans?

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Amorim's Tactical Shift

One of the main criticisms of Manchester United during Erik Ten Hag's tenure was the absence of a clear, consistent playing style. His approach often appeared experimental, with tactics that changed weekly, making it hard for players to find rhythm and adapt to a cohesive system. 

This lack of continuity hurt United’s ability to produce positive results, draining player confidence and leaving fans dissatisfied.

Despite being only 39, Ruben Amorim has already built an impressive managerial record, making him a promising candidate for United’s revival. The Portuguese coach took charge of Sporting CP in 2020 then they were in a far more challenging situation than United’s current state.

At the time, the club faced unrest among fans and had recently lost key, experienced players, including Wendel and Marcos Acuña. 

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Amorim’s path to success was evident in his recruitment strategy, he targeted players who perfectly matched his philosophy. prioritizing energetic full-backs and technically skilled midfielders, bringing in talents like Matheus Nunes and Palhinha, both of whom later earned moves to the Premier League.

His 3-4-3 formation, built on high intensity and relentless pressing, proved highly effective. This approach led Sporting CP to two Primeira Liga titles, including their first league victory in 19 years, in the 2020/2021 season along with a consecutive League Cup win.

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The Future of Ajax Alumni at United

Every new manager likes to give the benefit of the doubt to the players at the club before he identifies those that will form part of his projects and others that will be deemed surplus to requirement.

Amorim’s pressing game and mid-block defensive approach are designed to control the central areas and push opponents to the flanks, making his style highly structured but adaptable to attacking scenarios.

For Manchester United players like Lisandro Martínez and Antony, adapting to Amorim's system is possible. Martínez is skilled at ball progression and comfortable in wide spaces, he can be effective as a left center-back, utilizing his vision and passing to support wingbacks.

However, Antony may need to refine his defensive contribution and positioning to excel within Amorim’s high-press and counter-press framework. Both players will need some adaptation to fulfill their roles optimally in his structured system.

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Integrating Martínez and Antony into Amorim's system would require them to meet his demands for high-intensity and strict positional discipline. If they adapt well, Amorim is likely to keep them through the season. However, given every manager's preference for players fully aligned with their philosophy, their long-term future with United remains uncertain.