Ruben Amorim’s early tenure as Manchester United head coach is already showing the thoughtful tactics that set him apart. With two wins and a draw from his first three games, Amorim is being praised for his ability to adapt, not criticized for indecisiveness as many might expect after experimenting with different starting strikers.

In the 4-0 win over Everton, Amorim’s decision to start Joshua Zirkzee up front was a notable example of his tactical awareness. Instead of opting for a more physical presence like Rasmus Højlund, Amorim chose Zirkzee for his movement and ability to drop deeper, pulling the Everton defenders out of position. His strategy paid off, with Zirkzee’s performance earning high praise, including two goals that boosted his confidence.

Amorim explained: “I try to help my players and position them according to their strengths. Even for Rasmus, it would have been tough to battle with Everton’s center-backs. Josh’s movement created the space we needed.”

While Zirkzee’s performance impressed, Amorim faces another key decision for United’s upcoming match against Arsenal. Will he go with Højlund’s physicality to challenge Gabriel at the back, or will Arsenal’s defenders be more cautious than Everton’s, not allowing Zirkzee’s movement to disrupt them in the same way?

Another consideration is Marcus Rashford, who scored two goals against Everton, benefiting from the space Zirkzee’s positioning created. However, Amorim’s concerns about Rashford playing as a central forward, where United lost physicality and ball retention, suggest he might opt for a more withdrawn role for the England international when facing Arsenal’s tough defense.

Amorim’s early decision-making highlights his focus on tailoring tactics to each match, rather than relying on player form alone, making him an exciting prospect for United’s future.