Giggs Backs Amorim’s Vision at Manchester United — But Warns of Long Road Ahead
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has thrown his support behind manager Rúben Amorim, praising the Portuguese coach’s clear tactical identity and charismatic leadership—but warned the club faces a challenging road ahead.
Speaking in a May 2025 interview with Webby & O’Neill, Giggs praised Amorim’s dedication to his trademark 3-4-2-1 system, which brought him three league titles at Sporting CP. However, he cautioned that United’s underperforming squad must undergo significant tactical and personnel changes to fully embrace Amorim’s philosophy.
“He’s charismatic, he needs time, he needs a few transfer windows,” Giggs said. “But he also needs help on what is a United player and what that looks like.”
System Overhaul Amid a Squad Mismatch
Amorim’s formation—anchored by a back three, aggressive wing-backs, and dual attacking midfielders—demands tactical discipline and flexibility. Giggs acknowledged the difficulty of transitioning from the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 setups used under Erik ten Hag.
“I’m biased—I’m a winger,” Giggs admitted. “This system doesn’t really cater to that.”
He suggested players like Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo could be repurposed as wing-backs but stressed that without proper recruitment, the system may fall short.
United’s squad lacks natural fits for Amorim’s roles, and the team’s 2024/25 collapse—finishing 15th with 17 league defeats—highlighted the tactical growing pains. Their Europa League final loss to Spurs not only denied them silverware but also a vital £100 million Champions League windfall.
Financial Constraints and Squad Surgery
United’s rebuilding efforts are complicated by financial concerns. The club posted a £113 million net loss in 2023/24, and paid heavily for Ten Hag’s dismissal and Amorim’s appointment. Giggs urged the club to sell underperformers—naming Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia as players with “no way back.”
Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa, has shown flashes of form, but Giggs suggested a clean break would benefit both the player and the club.
“He just didn’t look like he was enjoying his football at United,” Giggs observed.
Signs of Promise and a Call for Patience
Despite a difficult season, Giggs believes there are green shoots under Amorim. He pointed to strong showings against elite sides like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal as proof the system can work with the right pieces.
Players such as Lisandro Martínez, Manuel Ugarte, and Amad Diallo were singled out as good tactical fits thanks to their intelligence, tenacity, and technical qualities.
“The recruitment has to match the system,” Giggs emphasized. “You need players with athleticism and tactical discipline to make it work.”
A New Identity or Continued Decline?
Giggs’ message was clear: Amorim’s philosophy can reshape Manchester United—but only if the club gives him time and the right tools. Without strategic signings and squad buy-in, United risk further stagnation.
Still, Giggs remains cautiously optimistic:
“If the club backs him properly, Ruben has the tools to restore an identity to United—something we’ve been.
