Amorim adapts at Milan while Carrick sinks deeper at Manchester United

At San Siro, in the 12th minute, a header hit the back of the net. The real story was off the ball. Ruben Amorim lined up AC Milan in a back four, not his trademark 3-4-3, and beat Lecce 3-0. The victory raises a deeper question: can Amorim sustain this adaptation over a longer run? After 14 months at Manchester United, his 3-4-3 failed. Reports indicate a win rate near 38%, with 24 wins in 63 matches. Milan gave him a fresh start. In Serie A, after five games, Milan sit fifth, two points behind Roma. Amorim says the midfield still revolves around Luka Modric, 41. He told reporters that with Modric, the team needs to keep the ball for a long time. Transition football would not suit him. This is a possession model built by necessity. The system is designed around the oldest player's physical limits. Against Lecce, the back four worked, but Lecce were not a serious test. Serie A coaches specialise in man-oriented pressing, and they will punish a slow build-up. Amorim says his team may return to a three-man build-up. That flexibility is valuable, but it can create identity confusion. Manchester United are the other side of the narrative. Michael Carrick, now permanent coach, has won one of five Premier League matches. He says there are positives, but not many. Benjamin Sesko's reported injury adds to the attacking concerns. Carrick has less room to experiment than Amorim. The biggest risk for Milan is dependency on Modric. If he is absent, there is no clear plan B. Financial concerns follow: a high-wage 41-year-old with little resale value. The next five to eight matches will reveal whether Amorim's shift is real. The contract of this season is still unsigned.