Manchester United’s new era under Ruben Amorim could see a dramatic tactical overhaul, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes emerging as a key target while current left-back Luke Shaw is being prepared for a surprising positional shift. According to the Daily Mail, these potential changes mark the beginning of Amorim’s ambitious plans to reshape United’s playing style and defensive structure.
The Portuguese manager’s interest in Mendes is particularly significant given their shared history at Sporting CP, where Amorim handed the young defender his senior debut in 2020. Their successful collaboration culminated in a Liga Portugal title before Mendes made his £31.5 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, where he has continued to develop into one of Europe’s most promising full-backs.
Amorim’s tactical vision for Manchester United appears to be taking shape even before his first match in charge, with training sessions revealing his intention to implement a 3-4-3 formation. This system has already seen experimentation with Shaw in a left center-back role, although the English defender’s ongoing fitness concerns mean he won’t be available for Amorim’s debut against Ipswich Town.
The pursuit of Mendes comes amid growing concerns about United’s current left-back situation. Tyrell Malacia’s struggle to convince following his return from a lengthy injury layoff, combined with Shaw’s persistent fitness issues, has created a pressing need for reinforcement in this crucial position. Mendes’s pace, attacking prowess, and familiarity with Amorim’s tactical demands make him an ideal candidate to strengthen this area of the team.
However, the potential transfer faces several hurdles. Manchester United must carefully navigate Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations while also addressing other pressing squad needs. The club’s hierarchy faces tough decisions about prioritizing their transfer targets, with both striker and center-back positions also requiring attention in the upcoming transfer windows.
Mendes’s successful stint at Sporting CP under Amorim’s guidance offers a compelling preview of what he could bring to Old Trafford. His explosive pace and attacking contributions were key features of Amorim’s system, helping the club secure domestic success before his move to Paris. This existing relationship and tactical understanding could prove invaluable in implementing Amorim’s preferred style of play at United.
The proposed formation change to a 3-4-3 system represents a significant shift in United’s tactical approach. Shaw’s potential conversion to a left center-back role is particularly intriguing, suggesting Amorim’s intention to utilize his players’ versatility while maintaining defensive solidity. This tactical flexibility could prove crucial in addressing United’s defensive vulnerabilities while enhancing their attacking capabilities.
The timing of these potential changes is crucial as United enter a new phase under Amorim’s leadership. The manager’s track record of developing young talent and implementing successful tactical systems at Sporting CP provides hope for United supporters eager to see their team return to the forefront of English and European football.
Should United succeed in securing Mendes’s services, it would represent more than just a defensive reinforcement. His arrival would signal the club’s commitment to Amorim’s vision and provide a clear indication of the style of play fans can expect under the new regime. The Portuguese defender’s combination of defensive reliability and attacking threat aligns perfectly with the modern requirements of elite-level football.
As Manchester United prepare for their first match under Amorim’s guidance, the potential pursuit of Mendes and the tactical reshaping of the squad highlight the comprehensive nature of the changes being implemented at Old Trafford. The success of these plans could ultimately determine United’s ability to compete at the highest level and return to their former glory.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether United can navigate the financial and tactical challenges ahead to secure their targets and implement Amorim’s vision successfully. The potential acquisition of Mendes, combined with the tactical evolution of existing players like Shaw, could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Manchester United’s history.
