Ruben Amorim has acknowledged for the first time that Manchester United could switch to a back four, moving away from the 3-4-3 formation he has used in all 59 matches as head coach. The admission came after Monday's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford, where his wing-backs formed a five-man defence when out of possession.
With Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim indicated he is ready to adapt. Asked about Tyrell Malacia potentially playing in a back four, he said: 'It will depend on the way we are playing that particular week. But if we have to change to a back four, we change to a back four.' He joked: 'I was saving this one for the last [comment].'
Amorim hopes to sign Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo in January, though the 25-year-old has a release clause of slightly under £65m and prefers a move to Liverpool. The head coach is also targeting Rúben Neves, Conor Gallagher and Tyler Adams to strengthen the holding midfield position, confirming there is finance available for additions.
'We will only try to bring players that we think are going to be for the future,' Amorim said. 'It's not going to be to save something at this moment... We will try to bring now – and at the end of the season – players that are perfect for our future.' He added that it is 'possible that we can do something' in the window.
Neves, out of contract at Al-Hilal in the summer, would cost around £20m but earns £350,000 per week. Atlético Madrid's Gallagher is valued at €40m-€50m, with United preferring a loan. Bournemouth's Adams, injured in Monday's draw, would cost about £40m and a move is likely in the summer.
