So i was wondering how AI would answer this thru deep research. I told it to focus on harmony between players and compatibility between them and Amorim's preferred play style, and only judge them by their performance as it was while at United under SAF:
Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar While Peter Schmeichel’s legendary status, commanding presence, and incredible reflexes are undeniable , Edwin van der Sar’s attributes align more closely with the demands of Amorim’s system. Amorim explicitly incorporates the goalkeeper into the build-up phase , requiring a custodian with excellent composure, decision-making, and, crucially, precise distribution with both feet. Van der Sar excelled in these areas, providing a calm and reliable starting point for attacks, perfectly fitting the mould of a modern ball-playing goalkeeper.
The Defensive Trio: Ball-Playing Defenders
Left Centre-Back (LCB): Rio Ferdinand Ferdinand was the epitome of a modern, ball-playing centre-back. His elegance in possession, ability to carry the ball out of defense, and wide range of passing make him an ideal candidate for one of the wider centre-back roles in Amorim’s system, which requires defenders to "drive into midfield" and "play passes to the attackers". His pace and game intelligence would also allow him to cover the space behind an advanced LWB effectively.
Central Centre-Back (CCB): Jaap Stam The CCB in Amorim's system often acts as a pivot, stepping into midfield during build-up. Stam, while a defensive colossus, possessed an underrated ability on the ball and the physical presence to dominate this zone. His aggression, combined with his defensive acumen and surprising comfort in possession, would allow him to fulfill both the defensive and constructive aspects of this demanding role. His leadership would also be invaluable in organizing the backline.
Right Centre-Back (RCB): Gary Neville Neville’s supreme tactical intelligence, defensive discipline, and underrated engine make him a strong fit for the RCB position. While not a natural ball-carrier in the vein of some modern RCBs, his understanding of the game, positional sense, and ability to support the RWB both defensively and in attack would be key. His experience as a world-class right-back means he would be comfortable in wider defensive areas and capable of delivering quality passes.
The Wing-Backs: Dynamos on the Flanks
Left Wing-Back (LWB): Ryan Giggs The LWB role in Amorim's system is incredibly demanding, requiring elite attacking output combined with defensive diligence. Giggs, particularly in his earlier years as a flying winger, possessed the pace, stamina, dribbling ability, and crossing prowess to excel here. Amorim has previously utilized natural wingers as wing-backs , and Giggs’s attacking instincts and phenomenal engine would make him a constant threat down the left, capable of fulfilling the expectation to join a five-man attacking line.
Right Wing-Back (RWB): David Beckham Beckham’s legendary crossing ability, combined with his exceptional work rate and stamina , makes him a prime candidate for the RWB position. He could provide unparalleled quality of delivery from wide areas, a key feature of Amorim’s attack when the center is congested. His discipline and willingness to track back would be essential for the defensive responsibilities that come with the role.
The Central Midfield Partnership: Engine Room and Control
Left Central Midfielder (LCM): Roy Keane Amorim’s double pivot requires immense work rate, ball-winning ability, and the capacity to drive play forward. Roy Keane embodies these qualities. His ferocious tackling, leadership, relentless energy, and underrated passing range would make him the engine of the midfield, crucial for both the high press and for providing defensive security when the wing-backs surge forward.
Right Central Midfielder (RCM): Paul Scholes Partnering Keane, Paul Scholes would bring unparalleled vision, passing range, and control to the midfield. His ability to dictate tempo, switch play, and deliver defense-splitting passes would be vital for unlocking opposition defenses and supplying the attacking trident and wing-backs. Scholes also possessed a knack for timely arrivals in the box and a formidable long-range shot, adding another dimension to the attack. This pairing must be exceptionally diligent to avoid being "overrun" , a known vulnerability if the CMs are not perfectly synchronized or lack the required athleticism.
The Attacking Trident: Versatility and Incisiveness It's important to note that while some contemporary discussions of Amorim's system at Manchester United mention "no 10 in this system" , causing issues for players like Bruno Fernandes, a deeper look at his tactics at Sporting reveals that the wide forward roles often function as two "inside forwards" or "number 10s" supporting a central striker. This nuance means that creative players with No.10 skillsets are not excluded but are expected to operate within the fluid, pressing structure of the front three, often starting from wider positions or as one of two supporting a central spearhead. This understanding opens the door for Ferguson’s creative talents.
Left Forward (LF - Inside): Cristiano Ronaldo In his earlier United years, Ronaldo was a dynamic winger with blistering pace, incredible dribbling ability, and a burgeoning eye for goal. Deployed as an inside forward on the left, he would have the freedom to cut inside onto his stronger foot, take on defenders, and unleash shots, fitting the profile of a player who can "take on defenders, create scoring opportunities, and score goals themselves". His athleticism would also be an asset in the press.
Central Striker (ST): Wayne Rooney Rooney’s combination of work rate, strength, technical skill, link-up play, and clinical finishing makes him an almost perfect fit for the central striker role in Amorim’s system. He could act as the "focal point" , holding up play for the onrushing inside forwards and wing-backs, while also possessing the intelligence and mobility to make runs in behind. His relentless pressing from the front would be invaluable.
Right Forward (RF - Inside): Eric Cantona Cantona’s genius, vision, and ability to conjure moments of magic from nothing would make him a devastating inside forward on the right. Operating in the half-spaces, he could link play between midfield and attack, create chances for Rooney and Ronaldo, and contribute goals himself. His capacity to "find spaces and connections" aligns perfectly with the fluid attacking rotations Amorim encourages. While individual brilliance is prized, players like Ronaldo and Cantona would need to integrate this within the team's structured attacks and pressing schemes, rather than relying solely on isolated moments of genius. Their talent would need to be channeled to serve the collective, contributing to combination play and defensive duties as part of the front line.
