Jonny Evans reveals reasoning behind unique Ruben Amorim tactic | OneFootball

Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has revealed why Ruben Amorim regularly instructs the central centre-back in his three-man defence system to step up.

United players slowly understanding Amorim’s system

After an extremely poor 2024/25 season in which United finished a lowly 15th place, there was hope that the next campaign would bring far better fortunes.

However, a patchy start saw fresh questions asked of Amorim and his suitability to the Old Trafford hot seat. After the chastening defeat to Brentford in September, there were suggestions that Amorim was on the brink of losing his job.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly move to quell the speculation, insisting that Amorim would be handed a minimum of three years to turn things around at United. Ratcliffe’s vote of confidence in Amorim seemingly did wonders for the Red Devils, who are now enjoying their best form under the Portuguese coach.

United remain unbeaten in four Premier League games. Last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest marked the end of the side’s three-match winning streak.

The result vs. Forest left United in eighth place in the table, eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal. The past few performances have been promising and there are evident signs that the squad is coming to terms with the demands of Amorim’s football philosophy.

Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system has long been the subject of intense debate, but with improved results, talk around this has quietened significantly.

Evans appeared on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football and opened up on playing under Amorim. In particular, Evans spoke about Amorim’s defensive set-up and why the United boss instructs his middle centre-back to push up the pitch.

Evans explains Amorim tactic

On why Amorim asks his central centre-back to step into midfield when United are in possession, Evans revealed, “More often than not, it’s to give the keeper space, you don’t want to be stood on his toes.”

“He likes to keep the structure of his team, not too much moving parts.”

“Instead of your whole back five moving one way, he’ll just move one player.”

It’s a tactic that has worked wonders for United over the past few weeks. Matthijs de Ligt has mainly assumed that role and he has become a key component of United’s build-up play.

United are back in action on Saturday when they go away to Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur.

Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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