Ruben Amorim has the opportunity to debut a revamped Manchester United attacking strategy against Manchester City. This matchup could mark the first time Amorim’s fresh tactical vision is implemented, potentially revitalizing United’s offensive dynamics and offering a glimpse of their evolving style under his guidance.

Life may offer only a few certainties—death, taxes, and Ruben Amorim’s penchant for tinkering with Manchester United’s starting lineup. The Portuguese tactician, known for his relentless experimentation, is quickly shaping his reputation at Old Trafford, crafting a team identity that is both fluid and unpredictable.

For Thursday night’s hard-fought Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen, Amorim made five changes to the side that fell 3-2 to Nottingham Forest just days earlier. This included unveiling yet another revamped attacking trio, featuring Amad in the front three for the first time under Amorim’s leadership. The 39-year-old, who took over from Erik ten Hag just a month ago, demonstrated his adaptability by moving Amad from his previous role as a right wing-back to a more advanced attacking position alongside Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee. It marked the fifth different attacking combination Amorim has employed in just six matches.

With Manchester United juggling a congested fixture list, rotation has become a necessity. Yet, Amorim’s flexibility raises the intriguing possibility of a sixth unique front three for Sunday’s highly anticipated clash with Manchester City at the Etihad. This Premier League showdown, the first between the two rivals this season, offers United a chance to exploit City’s struggles, with Pep Guardiola’s side suffering seven defeats in their last ten outings, including a midweek loss to Juventus in the Champions League.

Amorim, however, has downplayed any advantage City’s form might give, emphasizing that United have issues of their own. Still, Sunday presents an opportunity for United to secure their first win at the Etihad since March 2021. Amorim’s rotational decisions against Plzen could provide clues about his approach, especially in midfield, where Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro started in place of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo. The Ugarte-Mainoo duo, tipped to form United’s strongest midfield partnership in the future, could be reinstated for the City clash. Their combined grit and dynamism may be crucial in a game where Guardiola’s side is expected to dominate possession.

Should Ugarte and Mainoo return to the lineup, Fernandes might shift back into his favored advanced role as one of two No. 10s. Up front, Rasmus Højlund seems a certain starter after his impactful substitute appearance against Plzen, scoring and influencing the game in just 29 minutes. The final spot in the front three is up for grabs, with Amad likely reverting to a wing-back role. Mason Mount, who impressed off the bench on Thursday, could be handed a rare start. Amorim’s admiration for Mount has been evident since his arrival, with the manager praising the former Chelsea man’s tactical intelligence and tireless work ethic. Against a City side known for their control, Mount’s energy and pressing could be invaluable.

Mount’s inclusion would not only add balance but also inject creativity into the attack. He showcased his attacking instincts against Plzen, coming close to scoring his second goal for the club and delivering more impact in under 30 minutes than Rashford or Zirkzee managed in their respective hour-long shifts. Pairing Mount with Fernandes as dual attacking midfielders behind Højlund could give United an entirely new look in attack. It’s a configuration Amorim has yet to try, making it an exciting option for a game of this magnitude.

Despite City’s recent struggles, their tactical dominance remains intact. For United to emerge victorious, Amorim’s lineup will need to strike the right balance between defensive resilience and attacking ingenuity. Mount’s energy, Ugarte and Mainoo’s grit, and Højlund’s clinical finishing could form the backbone of United’s efforts to claim a memorable derby victory. With Amorim still refining his approach, Sunday could showcase another innovative tactical setup that gives Manchester United a fighting chance against their noisy neighbors.

Rúben Amorim’s bold tactical experimentation continues to define his early tenure at Manchester United, with the upcoming derby against Manchester City shaping up to be a litmus test for his philosophy. After five attacking combinations in six matches, the Portuguese manager has embraced fluidity as a cornerstone of his strategy, creating an adaptable team capable of countering diverse opponents.

Amorim’s decision to deploy Amad in a more advanced role against Viktoria Plzen paid dividends, showcasing his willingness to extract versatility from his squad. Yet, the looming showdown with City demands more than experimentation—it requires precision. City’s tactical dominance, even amid their recent struggles, will push United to find the perfect blend of defensive solidity and attacking potency.

### Key Tactical Decisions:
1. **Midfield Dynamics**
The potential return of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo offers Amorim a midfield pairing with grit, athleticism, and composure. Their ability to disrupt City’s possession-heavy approach could provide the foundation for counterattacks. If they start, Bruno Fernandes could shift back into his more familiar advanced role, enhancing United’s creative output.

2. **Forward Line Composition**
Rasmus Højlund’s game-changing cameo against Plzen has likely secured his starting spot. Amorim’s next decision revolves around who supports him. Mason Mount’s tactical discipline and pressing ability make him a strong contender to pair with Fernandes in dual playmaking roles. Mount’s energy and creativity could be key in exploiting any vulnerabilities in City’s midfield transitions.

3. **Defensive Shape**
With Amad likely reverting to his wing-back duties, United could opt for a more structured defensive shape to counter City’s intricate passing. Amorim may rely on Luke Shaw’s leadership at the back, alongside Lisandro Martínez or Raphael Varane, to provide experience and resilience.

### Opportunities to Exploit
City’s uncharacteristic slump—seven defeats in ten games—suggests they are more vulnerable than usual. United’s best chance lies in capitalizing on transitions and set pieces, with Amorim’s dynamic attacking setup offering unpredictability. The pace of Marcus Rashford, the physicality of Højlund, and the intelligence of Mount could stretch City’s defense, particularly if Guardiola’s high line is exposed.

### The Bigger Picture
A win at the Etihad would not only reignite United’s campaign but also validate Amorim’s rotational philosophy. While the manager’s frequent changes may seem risky, they underline his commitment to squad depth and tactical flexibility. Against a rival like City, such adaptability could prove decisive, offering United a platform to secure their first derby victory at the Etihad in over three years.

The stage is set for Amorim to make a statement. Whether his relentless tinkering will result in a memorable triumph or another adjustment in his learning curve remains to be seen.