Ruben Amorim considered by Liverpool as replacement for Jurgen Klopp

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool’s commitment to a back four was the main reason behind their decision not to chase Ruben Amorim. The highly-rated Portuguese tactician was named as Erik ten Hag’s successor at Manchester United on Friday.

Liverpool had considered Amorim months earlier during the search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor. During Klopp’s nearly nine-year tenure, his philosophy has been deeply ingrained at the club, with even academy teams playing in a similar style.

Amorim’s preference for a three-man defense was seen as a potential obstacle, given Liverpool’s reluctance to overhaul their system. Instead, they turned their attention to Arne Slot, whose approach to Feyenoord looked more like Klopp.

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This decision ensured a smoother transition and continuity to the Anfieldwith slot inserting without snag. Carragher wrote in the Telegraph: “I suspect that one of the reasons why Liverpool preferred Slot to Amorim last summer is that the Dutchman prefers the more traditional four at the back, so the transition has been easier for the team from which he inherited. Jürgen KloppThe first team style has been reflected at academy level to ensure those who progressed are familiar with the patterns of play.”

Amorim’s training and style brought him significant success early in his managerial career. He ended Sporting’s 19-year wait for a league title and has since added numerous honours, reports the mirror.

The Lisbon side are top of the table again, with Amorim set to leave his post in a week’s time. While Liverpool would not have suited a back three, largely due to the personnel they have at the club, United could benefit from a change in defensive shape.

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Gary Neville is among those who believe an adjustment could help improve their poor start.

He said: “I thought for several months that, looking at the players United have, they might be better placed to play a back three. Simply because of the lack of a centre-back pairing and the full-backs. Fullbacks look better up front than defensively, so maybe that could happen.

“Maybe it could give them a little more comfort, because it would give them an extra body at the back and the players would be in a system where they would have more support. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while months, if this is the right way to go, I’m not sure.”