Ruben Amorim explains his bold decision to bench Rasmus Hojlund in favor of Joshua Zirkzee against Everton.

Just three matches into his reign as Manchester United head coach, Ruben Amorim is already showcasing his tactical expertise and adaptability.

Coaching is often evaluated through results, and Amorim’s record of two victories and one draw reflects a manager making calculated decisions. Had the outcomes been less favorable, such as three defeats with varying striker selections, critics might have labeled him inconsistent. Instead, Amorim is demonstrating a sharp eye for detail and a strategic approach tailored to each game.

This strategic mindset was on full display when he opted to start Joshua Zirkzee over Rasmus Hojlund in United’s emphatic 4-0 win against Everton. The decision paid off, with Zirkzee netting twice—his first goals since August. Hojlund, on the other hand, was given a rest after an intense midweek performance against Bodo/Glimt, where he scored twice and provided an assist during the full 90 minutes.

In the post-match press conference, Amorim shed light on his reasoning, highlighting Everton’s physical defensive duo of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite. He believed that Hojlund might be drawn into a challenging physical contest, which he sought to avoid. Zirkzee, with his movement off the ball and ability to drop deeper, was seen as the better fit to stretch Everton’s defense and create space for his teammates.

“I aim to support my players and set them up in roles that suit their strengths,” Amorim explained. “It would have been tough for Rasmus to battle with Everton’s centre-backs. Josh did an excellent job disrupting their comfort zones.”

Amorim also commended Zirkzee’s overall contribution, stating, “Scoring twice is fantastic for his confidence, but his effort and involvement in every aspect of the game were even more valuable. It was a great day for him and the team.”

As Manchester United prepares to face Arsenal midweek, Amorim faces another selection dilemma. Should Hojlund engage in a physical battle with Arsenal’s Gabriel, or would Zirkzee’s movement provide a more dynamic option?

Additionally, Marcus Rashford emerges as a potential alternative. Against Everton, Rashford excelled in a more withdrawn role, taking advantage of the space Zirkzee’s positioning created. However, Amorim has expressed reservations about using Rashford as a central striker, citing the trade-offs in physicality and hold-up play.

Amorim’s willingness to adapt his lineup to the unique challenges posed by each opponent has proven effective so far. As he continues to fine-tune his squad, his thoughtful approach is setting a promising tone for Manchester United’s campaign.

Ruben Amorim’s early days as Manchester United head coach are marked by a blend of tactical flexibility and meticulous planning, signaling a promising new chapter for the club. His ability to adapt to opponents while managing his squad’s strengths and weaknesses has been pivotal in securing two wins and a draw in his first three matches.

### **Key Tactical Highlights:**
1. **Joshua Zirkzee vs. Everton**:
Amorim’s decision to start Zirkzee over Rasmus Hojlund in the 4-0 victory against Everton was a masterstroke. Recognizing the physical dominance of Everton’s James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, Amorim avoided a direct physical contest for Hojlund. Instead, Zirkzee’s movement and ability to drop deep disrupted Everton’s defensive shape, creating spaces that were exploited by teammates, including Marcus Rashford. Zirkzee’s brace further validated Amorim’s decision.

2. **Hojlund’s Rest**:
After Hojlund’s stellar midweek performance against Bodo/Glimt, Amorim’s decision to rotate his squad showed his commitment to managing player fitness and avoiding burnout—a crucial move in a packed schedule.

3. **Rashford’s New Role**:
Rashford thrived in a more withdrawn, free-roaming role against Everton, capitalizing on the space created by Zirkzee. While his deployment as a central striker is unlikely due to concerns over his hold-up play, his adaptability offers Amorim additional tactical options.

### **Upcoming Challenges: Arsenal Match**
The midweek clash against Arsenal presents another test of Amorim’s tactical ingenuity. The key questions are:
– **Hojlund vs. Zirkzee**: Should Hojlund’s physicality match up against Gabriel, or would Zirkzee’s movement better exploit Arsenal’s defensive structure?
– **Rashford’s Role**: Can Rashford’s deeper position again create havoc, or will Amorim require a more traditional winger’s contribution against Arsenal’s compact midfield?

### **Amorim’s Tactical Philosophy**
Amorim’s approach emphasizes tailoring tactics to opponents while maximizing individual player strengths. His quote, “I aim to support my players and set them up in roles that suit their strengths,” encapsulates his philosophy, demonstrating a player-first mentality that is already yielding results.

### **The Road Ahead**
As Manchester United continues to adapt to Amorim’s methods, fans can take heart in his proactive and calculated decision-making. The Arsenal game will be another opportunity to assess his ability to manage high-stakes fixtures. If his early decisions are any indication, Amorim appears well-equipped to navigate the complexities of Premier League management and steer United toward a strong finish this season.