Ruben Amorim set to deploy three-at-the-back system at AC Milan

AC Milan have appointed Ruben Amorim as head coach ahead of the new season, confirming speculation over their summer rebuild. Markus Krösche joins as sporting director from Eintracht Frankfurt, replacing Ralf Rangnick who remains with Austria’s men’s national team. Amorim arrives after his brief tenure at Manchester United, where he primarily used a 3-4-2-1 formation. Milan’s late-season collapse leaves them without Champions League football, creating space for Amorim to implement his methods without immediate pressure. Amorim’s preferred back three could feature Strahinja Pavlović at centre-back, a role he excelled in under Max Allegri. Matteo Gabbia provides an alternative option in defence, while the midfield pivot may include Youssouf Fofana or Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Loftus-Cheek’s versatility allows him to play in midfield or as a wide forward, offering Amorim tactical flexibility. Alexis Saelemaekers could occupy a hybrid role, either as a wide forward or wingback, depending on Amorim’s system. Up front, Christian Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku are potential options to link play between midfield and attack. However, Milan’s striking issues from last season remain unresolved, with Rafa Leão’s departure creating further uncertainty. Leão’s exit could free up funds for Krösche and Amorim to address the club’s attacking deficiencies during the transfer window.

Ruben Amorim appointed AC Milan head coach

Amorim’s United side struggled for creativity, a problem he must address in Milan’s rebuild. The club’s late-season collapse suggests defensive issues were secondary to their attacking failures. If Amorim resolves the front-third problems, the defence may stabilize under his preferred system. Milan’s delayed collapse provides Amorim with temporary breathing space, though the hot-seat pressure remains. His methods at Sporting CP took time to yield results, and Milan’s sporting hierarchy must offer unconditional backing. Interference from above, as seen at Manchester United, could derail his project before it begins. From the outside, an immediate disaster appears unlikely, but Milan’s sporting directorship uncertainties limit Amorim’s room for error. Without clear stability at the top, even a coach with his track record may struggle to deliver quick fixes. Anshuman Joshi provided tactical insights on Amorim’s potential setup in a recent analysis for GIFN.