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3 weeks ago
15 The Ruben Amorim era will begin on November 11. Up until then, Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain caretaker manager.
Ruben Amorim has been officially announced as the new Manchester United manager and he is expected to bring with him a new playing style and philosophy to Old Trafford.
Expectations are high as Amorim is renowned as one of the best young coaches in Europe. Interestingly, he has been given the title as ‘Head Coach’ instead of ‘Manager’.
One decision Ten Hag made as manager was to drop Harry Maguire as captain before eventually fading the centre-back out of the team, especially after signing Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro in the summer.
However, with Amorim keen on playing three at the back, Maguire could be in line for more game time if he can get fully fit.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, Sam Allardyce discussed how Amorim will get on at United and he reckons the Portuguese coach will make use of Maguire in his defence.
Allarydce believes Maguire can be a key component in Amorim’s team moving forward, stating that he is one of the best players around when it comes to playing out from the back.
“It’s a big time for Harry because he’s been out of the frame under Ten Hag, but if the new coach is insistent on this system, for me, Harry is going to be the best man here. We all know he has a lack of pace, but that gets covered there. We also know he’s one of the best at playing out. Coming in there is a great asset in a back three, because he’s easily covered there with these coming in,” Allardyce said.
Yet if that was the case he wouldn’t have been replaced by De Ligt.
The former England manager believes Maguire will suit a back three as his lack of pace will be covered by his defensive partners – but not if they aren’t quick enough themselves. The only centre-back we have with pace in abundance is Yoro, who has yet to make a competitive appearance for the club since his summer move from Lille.
Harry Maguire in a back three
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesI could see how this would work with the right defensive partners.
Maguire is one of the slowest players in the squad, but De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez aren’t renowned for their speed either.
This could leave United exposed at the back but we already know Amorim has his work cut out for him.

 
