Sanjay Sathya

This Trojan Horse Meme Perfectly Explains What Ruben Amorim Did to Newcastle

Football Memes, Manchester United, Premier League, Ruben Amorim

Manchester United collected a scrappy win against Newcastle on Boxing day to go up to 5th in the points table.

Although not convincing, an important reason for the Red Devils to cherish is that, Ruben Amorim, finally shifted to a 4-2-3-1 formation disowning his stubborn 3-4-3 formation that had not helped for larger parts, since his appointment.

The formation, however did not let them flourish all the way but provided a positive impact. Dorgu and Ugarte benefitted the most out of the change, enjoying never given freedom.

Dorgu scored the only goal of the game with a splendid volley in the penalty box in the 25th minute of the game. It had much to do with the role given to him as he was freed of his defensive duties, playing as a right midfielder for the entirety of the game.

Ruben Amorim had his say about why the game demanded a back four instead of his usual back three set up –

“I think in the first half we showed the only way to create more danger was with a back four, with a lot of guys inside, even to keep the ball. I remember from the game last year, we lost one vs. one outside so we just tried to imagine the game of the players to feel comfortable.“

“You put Dorgu in a position that is more in front where the responsibility is not the same, he has more freedom to lose the ball and I think it helped Patrick play better. [Manuel] Ugarte also had a very good day.“

Previously, he had spoken about his willingness to adapt to different formation considering the difficulty in playing his preferred 3-4-3 formation.

Another positive takeaway was the dynamic in which United operated, adapting to different formations at different passages of play.

Ruben Amorim’s side shifted to almost every conventional formation from 3-5-2 to defense heavy 5-4-1.

United made sure that Dorgu enjoys the freedom of inverting into the half spaces behind the midfield line of Newcastle. They constantly kept changing to a 3-2-5 or a 2-3-5 formation when in possession of the ball, with Ugarte and Dalot taking the shifting duties. Dalot might stretch the midfield by dropping deep far right in the middle or Ugarte would join the attack or occupy the left flank allowing Shaw to go for attacking overlaps.

This was a puzzle without an answer for Eddie Howe, as he was confused to follow proper pressing patterns, eventually adjusting to a 5-4-1 defensive structure.

Off the ball United tried out a diamond midfield but due to the lack of physicality of Mount in pinning down Newcastle’s pivot, United shifted to a flat 4-4-2 with Mount acting as a central midfielder and the counterpart for Sesko during the initial press.

After the substitution of Casemiro in the second half, United had a very inexperienced defense and did not risk playing high. As a result they went into a hybrid 5-4-1 formation sometimes with even six at the back to ensure they get away with the three points.

The acceptance from Amorim to adapt the system to the strength of the players during Newcastle win has risen a meme involving the famous trojan horse template.

Fans have appreciated how Amorim is ready to take on the Premier League with his arsenal of dynamic formations.

The concept of Trojan Horse, emerges from the ancient greek mythology. It is a huge hollow wooden horse constructed by the Greeks to gain entrance into Troy during the Trojan War. The horse was built by Epeius, a master carpenter and pugilist. The Greeks, pretending to desert the war, sailed to the nearby island of Tenedos, leaving behind Sinon, who persuaded the Trojans that the horse was an offering to Athena (goddess of war) that would make Troy impregnable. Despite the warnings of Laocoön and Cassandra, the horse was taken inside the city gates. That night Greek warriors emerged from it and opened the gates to let in the returned Greek army. 

It has received a revamped attention recently, since the trailer of the anticipated movie “The Odyssey” was released on youtube

In modern usage, the trojan Horse meme is a famous representation of hideous strategies. Its interpretation has been used in various context. Just like how it is said Amorim brings up the 3-4-3 formation in plain sight while tweaking it hideously according to the game plan.

United fans apologised on their judgement of Amorim and his stubborness, accepting the fair upside of using a 3-4-3.

@sola_omb
that’s the thing about the modern game, it’s really not the formation on paper. formations even change at different phases of play.

@omarideez
I now understand what Amorim’s trying to do. I’m sorry I ever doubted him 😭

@Marshillo_
Definitely worked on Eddie Howe and his minions as they were perplexed and totally confused in the first half 😅

@Abrahamneita
Eddie Howe said “ is it 3 at the back or 4 at the back? Fuck I wonder if it’s 5 at the back”

@RamzZy_
3-4-3 is the toughest but also most versatile football formation ever invented because once you recruit players who can execute it, they can execute any other formation easily.

@UTDkevv8
Amorim the mr unpredictable.

@United_Steeze
He is yet to unleash dark arts, Haram ball 2.0, playing from the back, one touch football…haaaaa Amorim jor naw 😭😭😭

Leave a comment