Lowdown on Amorim revolution
IN THE modern game, it seems all the best teams play out from the back, writes JOSHUA JONES.
But Ruben Amorim is going the other way – by getting his goalkeeper to hoof it long.
Andre Onana was signed from Inter in 2023 due to his ability to play out from the back.
Yes, there have been some high-profile blunders along the way.
But by and large, Onana is confident with the ball at his feet.
However, the stats show he is being asked to kick it long far more – that passing short when under pressure is simply not worth the risk.
After all, United have lost the ball 142 times in their own defensive third this season – the sixth-most of the 20 top-flight teams.
As reported by The Athletic, Opta stats show only five goalkeepers have done more “launches” in the Premier League this season.
A “launch” is defined as a high ball – 40 yards of longer – into space or an area for players to chase or challenge.
Of those, only Dean Henderson has completed fewer than Onana’s 25.8 per cent of 380 punts upfield.
Here’s our full look at the keeper’s changing role:
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