The Amorim effect: How United’s tactical shift impacts betting markets

Manchester United’s progression under manager Ruben Amorim has been slow, but it appears his methods are finally starting to have a positive impact on performances.

Amorim’s insistence on sticking rigidly to his favoured 3-4-2-1 system has been criticised, with many people believing it does not suit the current squad.

However, the manager’s faith in his team structure is not only starting to pay dividends, but is also having a significant influence on popular betting markets.

Punters who are closely following United’s evolution can spot valuable trends that impact match outcomes, goal totals and individual player performances.

Defensive disruption has caused issues

Defensive frailties have plagued United this season, although their cause has not been helped by a succession of injuries to key players.

Amorim is married to a three-man defensive system and wing-backs on the flanks, but his tactics are yet to deliver the desired results in terms of clean sheets.

United’s shut-out at Leicester City last weekend was just the third time since the turn of the year they have prevented the opposition from scoring.

From a betting perspective, this factor has led to increased value in markets such as over 2.5 goals and both teams to score (BTTS – Yes).

With the Red Devils facing some testing fixtures between now and the end of the season, these markets could continue to deliver returns for sports bettors.

Forwards have become risky betting propositions

Rasmus Hojlund ended his lengthy drought with a superb finish at Leicester, but he remains a risking betting proposition in goalscoring markets.

The Denmark international has looked out of his depth in the Premier League this season and the club may decide to cut their losses on him this summer.

Joshua Zirkzee has also failed to live up to expectations since signing for United last summer, although he has looked more comfortable playing in a deeper role.

He could be worth monitoring in the assists market over the next few weeks as United strive to climb the Premier League and make further progress in Europe.

However, he still has a long way to go before he proves he is capable of being a consistent attacking threat for Man United.

Fernandes is Man United’s shining light despite criticism

Former United captain Roy Keane’s withering criticism of Bruno Fernandes lack of leadership skills seem to have hit a nerve with the current skipper.

The Portuguese playmaker has been on a mission to prove Keane wrong in recent weeks and United have reaped the benefits from his improved performances.

Fernandes scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad in the Europa League and followed up with another standout display at Leicester.

The 30-year-old has demonstrated he can lead this United team to greater heights – the challenge now is to do this consistently.

If he continues in the same vein, Fernandes is well worth backing in markets such as anytime scorer, assists and free-kick bets.

The final word

Amorim’s time at Man United is gradually reshaping the club’s playing identity and influencing betting strategies for punters worldwide.

Further defensive improvements will have an impact on how bettors engage with clean sheet markets, while wagers on the forwards could become more enticing if they start scoring regularly.

Adaption is the key to success in betting, and the punters who can anticipate United’s tactical trends will be best positioned for success in the future.

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