'I would be amazed if they are still playing 3-4-3 in a year's time'
- Published
Manchester United's new formation may have to "evolve into something else" if they are going to being competitive in the Premier League, says former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy.
New boss Ruben Amorim used his favoured formation of three at the back in his first game in charge against Ipswich on Sunday.
It was an unfamiliar set-up for the backline and, despite United taking an early lead within two minutes, they ultimately drew 1-1 against the newly promoted side.
"I would be amazed if they are still playing a 3-4-3 in a year's time," Murphy said on Match of the Day 2.
"This league is very, very different than continental leagues. We have only had Chelsea in recent years win playing that system. And, let's be honest, they had Kante and Matic - two wonderful midfielders in the middle of the pitch, plus Costa up top with Hazard supporting him and helping them as well.
"They [Manchester United] don't have those players yet and how do you find them? It costs hundreds of millions to get the best players in the world.
"When you play three at the back against the majority of good teams in our league who play three high, you end up being a five and that is really difficult.
"If Manchester United are going to become much better and be competitive, I think that 3-4-3 will evolve into something else."
