Liverpool walked away from negotiations with Manchester United managerial candidate Ruben Amorim due to differences in philosophies and playing style.
Amorim, 39, recently agreed a deal with the Old Trafford hierarchy, barely 24 hours after Erik ten Hag was dismissed from his role and Ruud van Nistelrooy was placed in temporary charge. The Sporting Lisbon manager has an outstanding reputation having won two consecutive Primeira Liga titles.
When Xabi Alonso ruled himself out of the Liverpool role, Amorim was the next favourite and even held talks at Anfield. However, his vision clashed with that of the United hierarchy, who did not want to completely move away from Jurgen Klopp’s style.
While Klopp played a dynamic 4-3-3 formation at Liverpool, Amorim initially sets his side up in a wide 3-4-3 formation. It’s a flexible shape which can turn into a 4-2-4 during build-up, a 5-2-3 when defending, and a 3-2-5 while attacking.
While the manager’s tactics can be adjusted, as demonstrated in his encounters with Tottenham and Arsenal in Europe in 2022 and 2023, Klopp’s established style was something that the Merseyside team couldn’t overlook.
With Amorim steadfastly sticking to his high-possession, wide style of play, the Liverpool bosses were seemingly uncomfortable with a completely different approach being implemented.
Moreover, ESPN also reported that Amorim was overlooked not only due to his unwillingness to alter his tactics, but because of the purported £10million release clause in his deal at Sporting. The Athletic also claimed that premature disclosure of the manager’s interest in April also frustrated the Anfield hierarchy.
While Liverpool opted for Arne Slot, Amorim is now the top contender to take over at Old Trafford. If negotiations are ironed out between the two clubs, United may have to tolerate the Portuguese boss uprooting the current team’s style.
Ten Hag deployed United in a 4-2-3-1, which often turned into a 4-4-2 diamond. Amorim would likely instantly want his United side to make more use of the wider areas and seamlessly adapt their shape depending on the situation.
Amorim’s philosophy is far removed from anything United have experienced in recent years. There would likely be some teething issues, which could be difficult to accept, considering the season is entering the difficult winter period when games come thick and fast.
Meanwhile, Van Nistelrooy will be entrusted with keeping United in the League Cup in his role as interim boss. The Dutchman will also likely be in charge when Chelsea visit Old Trafford on the weekend.
