Thu Nov 07 22:23:54 UTC 2024: ## Incoming Man United Manager Could Learn From Chelsea Draw, Expert Says
**Manchester, England:** As Ruben Amorim prepares to take the reins at Manchester United, football pundit Janusz Michallik believes the incoming manager could glean valuable insights from the Red Devils’ recent 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
Despite a disappointing season for United, the draw against a resurgent Chelsea side is considered a positive result, especially given the current state of the team. Michallik highlights the fact that United, despite a busy midweek fixture, didn’t look outmatched or outplayed by Chelsea, who had more time to prepare.
While interim manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy didn’t employ the 3-4-2-1 formation expected from Amorim, the game provided some clues. The performance of midfielders Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro, who were allowed to roam, could be a positive sign for Amorim, whose midfielders at Sporting Lisbon operate in a similar way.
However, Michallik also acknowledges the limitations of the current United squad, which is not ideally suited for Amorim’s preferred formation. The team lacks a viable right-sided center-back, has a significant gap at left-back, and faces questions in midfield. This could force Amorim to adapt his tactics initially and focus on building upon the team’s strengths rather than immediately trying to address weaknesses.
Michallik also highlights the impressive performance of Chelsea’s youngsters under interim manager Enzo Maresca, who made a bold decision in leaving out Enzo Fernandez. The performance of Moisés Caicedo and Romeo Lavia demonstrates the self-belief and personality within the young Chelsea squad.
However, Michallik points out that Chelsea’s lack of creativity remains a concern, as they struggled to convert their dominance in the first half against United into goals. The absence of a reliable creative outlet when Cole Palmer isn’t at his best needs to be addressed.
Overall, Michallik suggests that the Manchester United vs. Chelsea draw provided a valuable learning experience for Ruben Amorim, showcasing potential strengths within the squad and highlighting the challenges he will face in building his team. He emphasizes the importance of building upon strengths and being realistic about the team’s limitations, especially given the upcoming transfer window.