Ruben Amorim has been told not to follow in the same footsteps as one Manchester United manager by repeating the same claim during his reign at Old Trafford.
That is according to Mike Phelan, who was Manchester United assistant head coach under both Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the Premier League club.
Ruben Amorim has weathered an early storm at Old Trafford in the 2025-26 campaign, despite the mounting pressure still surrounding the United manager.
The 40-year-old former Sporting CP manager has overseen three Premier League wins from United’s opening seven league matches in the current season.
But the Red Devils have also been knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the second round after United’s shock defeat to Grimsby Town at Blundell Park in August.
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Mike Phelan now tells Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim what Louis van Gaal was at fault for doing at Old Trafford
Ruben Amorim’s tactical system for Manchester United has once again found the Portuguese coach facing immense criticism over his approach to matches.
United have struggled to dominate rival Premier League teams in matches and the two-man midfield pivot has left Amorim’s side deeply exposed at times.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Mike Phelan insisted that United manager Amorim must consider taking a flexible approach with the blueprint that he is implementing.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s former right-hand man singled out ex-United manager Louis van Gaal and the Dutchman’s repeated stance on his “philosophy” at Old Trafford.
“Well, I would go on the side of flexibility,” Phelan said.
“You know, we all have an idea of how we want to play and we hear this. I think I heard it the most when Louis van Gaal was at the football club.
“You know, my philosophy, my philosophy, and it’s always what is it? You know, what does that look like? And is it rigid or is it flexible?
“Philosophies can change. They can change, you know, depending on where you are at the moment.”
Mike Phelan now shares invaluable advice with Ruben Amorim on what he must show at Man Utd
Amorim has refused to pivot on his tactical system, which he rolled out from the moment that he replaced Erik ten Hag as United manager last November.
“I think some of the statements and honesty of the manager has put him into this position now where 3-4-3 is what he wants to do,” Phelan continued.
“But in the game of football, it’s not always the case. Even now, when you watch Man United, it is always 3-4-3. Yeah, we’ve got three strikers, but it might be five at the back they’ve been conceding at times and what have you.
“3-4-3 is an idea and it’s a thing that he wants to get in place, but 3-4-3, you’ve got to dominate the game of football.”
Phelan explained that if Amorim is adamant on using his tactical system at United, then the Red Devils coach must show that his side can assert their control in matches.
“You got to dominate the match. And at the moment, Manchester United probably haven’t got to that point where they are clear favourites,” he added.
“They are clear in dominance on the football field in that system. So, you know, there’s a lot of work to be done with that system.”
United will return to Premier League action after the international break, with the Red Devils travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool on 19th October.