Manchester United legend Gary Pallister was a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson's after his record-breaking arrival from Middlesbrough in 1989. The ex-centre-back, who lifted 11 trophies throughout a nine-year career at Old Trafford, has backed Ruben Amorim to restore the glory days, having been impressed by three of his traits.
Amorim will start work at United on Monday after overseeing his final match as Sporting boss, a Primeira Liga trip to Braga a day earlier.
Red Devils supporters were in awe of the 39-year-old's masterclass against Pep Guardiola on Tuesday, orchestrating a 4-1 thrashing of Manchester City in the Champions League.
Related articles
Amorim is expected to bring his 3-4-3 system to M16, which has raised questions about whether the current misfiring squad will be able to adapt.
Pallister has recalled when Ferguson experimented with a three-at-the-back to support his belief that United's players can meet the Portuguese tactician's demands.
"They're all good players. We experimented with, in my time with Sir Alex at Man United, a back five," Pallister told Express Sport on behalf of luckyblock.com.
"We talked about playing Bryan Robson as a sweeper, and we used Paul Ince as a sweeper in one game. So we toyed with the idea for a time when it was in that first year when we were struggling a little bit.
"But, yeah, listen, I think if you're a top player at Manchester United, you should have no problem adapting to that kind of system. As I say, it can either be defensive or it can be really attacking.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"It depends, and I would imagine his mindset will be more attacking than not. And the centre-backs, I don't think any of them will have a problem playing a three-at-the-back."
Amorim is the sixth permanent manager tasked with guiding United back to the summit of English and European football since Ferguson's 2013 retirement.
And Pallister is optimistic that INEOS have chosen the correct candidate, hailing his reputation, how he handles himself in front of the media, and his tactical nouse.
He added: "At Sporting, he's [Amorim's] won two titles there. He's a very young manager, but he's obviously very highly thought of from listening to people like Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho talking about him.
"I think he comes across really well in his press conferences, which can exude a kind of confidence. But yeah, it's been a bit of a graveyard lately, hasn't it, for managers coming to Old Trafford?
Related articles
"But I do like what I see of him, the way he talks, the way he organises his team, how he plays with a back five.
"Some people may see that as a negative, but it can be quite a positive if it frees up more attacking players for United. But it's going to be interesting.
"He's got a lot to prove. It's his first time at a big club. But I see a confidence in him, that's for sure. But listen, you've got to do it on a pitch.
"You've got to get that group of players into a style of play, get some consistency from them and hopefully he can be the man that can bring back the glory days to Manchester United."
