Addressing the physicality issues at Manchester United

Since arriving at Manchester United in November, Ruben Amorim has been refreshingly honest about his underperforming side, and with that comes a few hints about his ideals in moving forward and what might happen in the summer regarding personnel.

A primary factor bemoaned by many Reds in previous seasons has been a complete lack of physicality and fight within the squad, with players knocked off the ball or outrun time and again by the opposition.

“We talk about some players like Antony, who is much better in Spain – there are many factors – but I guarantee you it’s linked to the physical aspect”, the former Sporting chief stated earlier this month.

Going back as far as I can remember, there was an adage about the game Pre-Premier League, with a belief that you must earn the right to play.

If you remember the 1994 Double-winning side Under Sir Alex Ferguson, which is arguably his best of many teams, then you remember their defining strengths and characteristics.

They were robust and tough tackling but with good technique and devasting pace – the perfect blend of attributes to dominate English football.

Our current crop boasts many good technicians but lacks the required physical aspects. They are good players, don’t get me wrong – but they look unsuited to the physicality the league demands.

Therein lies so much of the problem for Amorim and his vision for a renewed philosophy in the North West.

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Technique over physicality will only bring Manchester United so far

Erik ten Hag prioritised good technical players in his signings without consideration for the physical aspect of the English game.

You see, footballers aren’t just footballers anymore, whereas, in years gone by, you could hide limitations in your athleticism with superior technique.

These days, you are more the equivalent of a middle-distance runner; most outfield players will accomplish about 10km on average per game and with over 38 league fixtures to navigate, that will take a toll if you are not up to it.

This summer will supply a significant clear out of players. However, if you look at how the game is evolving – paying particular attention to the rise of Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest and the demise of Manchester City – you need speed to win.

City arguably boasts the best technical side in Europe, but they have looked physically off the level required to compete for the title. They, like United, need a complete revamp of their squad to readdress the biological make-up to counter the threat posed domestically.

The Psychology of Rebuilding Manchester United

They say the first step of solving any problem is admitting there is one, and Ruben Amorim has looked to have identified it very quickly. Undeniably, doing so early will allow him and the recruitment team to identify characteristics of players to target in the summer and beyond.

But United will need to get faster, with teams exploiting their midfield easily onto a noticeably slow group of defenders.

Leny Yoro is the quickest option in defence, but the rest are way behind him, and this forces United to play deeper to help cover this lack of pace.

A prime example came in United’s FA Cup defeat to Fulham, where the midfield was dominated by Sander Berge – a player linked to United 18 months ago and many baulked at the deal.

He moved the ball well, but his work off the ball in shielding the back four and breaking up play exposed how lacklustre our recruitment has been in recent years.

Moving forward, it will allow the club to learn from their mistakes and supply clear characteristics of what kind of players the club needs. Without question, being good on the ball will no longer be enough!

This dilemma needs to be addressed quickly, and with Amorim at the helm, perhaps it can.

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