How Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will fit into Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 at Manchester United

 

Overview of Amorim’s 3‑4‑3 Tactical System

Ruben Amorim deploys a highly dynamic 3‑4‑3 formation that blends defensive solidity with relentless attacking impetus. At its core:

• Back three: Provides a stable defensive base and smooth progression from defence into midfield.

• Wing‑backs: Stretch play wide, create crossing and underlapping opportunities, and recover quickly to defend.

• Double pivot: Two midfielders who balance forward‑driving passes with disciplined cover for the back line.

• Front three: Typically two narrow inside‑forwards flanking a central striker, responsible for creativity and goal threat.

This system thrives on:

1. Positional fluidity – players interchange intelligently to open passing lanes.

2. High‑intensity pressing – recovering possession in advanced zones and cutting out opposition build‑up.

3. Rapid vertical transitions – instant switching from defence to attack, exploiting unsettled defences.

In possession, the inside‑forwards occupy the half‑spaces, rotating positions, receiving between the lines, and making late runs into the box. Out of possession, they press aggressively, block central passing channels, and support the wing‑backs in wide areas.

---

Matheus Cunha’s Role and Fit

Best Position

Left‑sided attacking midfielder / inside‑forward

Key Attributes

• Explosive dribbling and driving runs from the left into central zones

• Creative vision for through balls, smart layoffs, and pulling defenders out of shape

• Sharp long‑range finishing capability

• Ability to hold up play and link midfield with attack in tight spaces

Tactical Integration

Positioned on the left flank of the front three, Cunha:

• Exploits half‑spaces to cut inside onto his stronger foot and combine with overlapping wing‑backs.

• Drops deep to receive possession, creating overloads and facilitating the team’s quick vertical transitions.

• Disrupts defensive lines with unpredictable 1‑v‑1 movement, perfectly suiting Amorim’s demand for dynamic attackers.

• Presses intensely high up the pitch, helping the team win the ball in advanced areas and trigger fast breaks.

---

Bryan Mbeumo’s Role and Fit

Best Position

Right‑sided attacking midfielder / inside‑forward

Key Attributes

• Elite pace and acceleration to stretch and destabilise defensive lines

• Dribbling skill that enables both inside‑cuts and direct runs down the touchline

• Tactical intelligence to find and exploit pockets of space

• High work‑rate, tracking back to assist in pressing and defensive organisation

Tactical Integration

On the right of Amorim’s front three, Mbeumo:

• Lurks wide or drifts into the half‑space, mirroring the ins and outs of Amorim’s tactical blueprint.

• Stretches play with width before cutting inside, linking effectively with the central striker and wing‑back to form overloads.

• Provides goal threat and assists, either by finishing from central positions or picking incisive passes.

• Contributes to the team’s high‑pressing structure, using his stamina and intensity to win back possession swiftly.

   

  Summary
  Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are ideally suited to Amorim’s 3-4-3 at Manchester United. Cunha, with his drive, creativity, and end product, will thrive in the left half-space as a freeroaming inside-forward who creates and finishes chances. Mbeumo brings directness, width, and relentless pressing on the right—offering a balanced but potent attacking dynamic. Both players’ tactical intelligence, technical skill, and pressing ability will allow Amorim to fully realize his high-tempo, positional-rotation attacking system at Old Trafford.