Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones says it will take a lot of time for players to learn how to play under Ruben Amorim.
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Amorim set to join Man Utd next weekWill play with three-at-the-backEx-defender sends warning about changeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
With Amorim set to settle into the dugout at Old Trafford this month, fans will see a big shift in tactics compared to Erik ten Hag. The Portuguese head coach favours a three-at-the-back formation, something that has been a rare sight at United over the years. And former defender Jones says it will take a look of focus and work on the training ground to adapt to how their new boss will want to play in the Premier League.
AdvertisementGOAL/GettyWHAT JONES SAID
Asked about the potential defensive change midway through the season, Jones said on Match of the Day 2: "That takes practice on the pitch. We played a back three under Louis van Gaal and spent many hours on the pitch getting the distances right. I always think the two centre-halves on the outside of the middle one, when the wing-back jumps, you have big spaces to cover. The timings of the actions have to be spot on. It will be difficult and it is a difficult job but listen it is never nice when a manager gets sacked but you have to be optimistic as a United fan that he will turn it around."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Jones' experience playing in a back three at United makes him the perfect person to ask when it comes to how difficult it is. There are only a handful of managers who have achieved success with the formation in the Premier League – most notably Antonio Conte – and Amorim will require particular players well-suited to the setup if he is to take the Red Devils forwards.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR AMORIM?
Excitement is building around Amorim's arrival and for fans of the famous old club, the match against Ipswich after the international break cannot come quickly enough. In the meantime, the 39-year-old will take charge of two more matches at Sporting, starting with a Champions League clash against Manchester City.