Liverpool were on the lookout for a new manager several months ago and opted against going after Ruben Amorim – who has now been snapped up by Manchester United

Liverpool chose not to go after Ruben Amorim amid concerns over his style

Jamie Carragher insists that Liverpool’s desire to play with a back four is why they chose not to pursue Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese coach is among the most highly-rated managers in Europe and Manchester United have now moved to bring him in as Erik ten Hag’s replacement. Liverpool considered going after the 39-year-old months ago when they sought Jurgen Klopp’s replacement.

The German had been at the helm for almost nine years and his philosophy has filtered all the way down the club with the academy mirroring the first-team. Klopp played with a back four and Liverpool were loathed to change their entire set-up, knowing that Amorim was devoted to playing three in defence.

Arne Slot, who was then excelling at Feyenoord, was also on their shortlist and his philosophy had several similarities to Klopp’s. In an effort to ensure a level of continuity they went after Slot, who has slotted in seamlessly at Anfield.

Carragher wrote in the Telegraph: “My suspicion is that one of the reasons Liverpool favoured Slot over Amorim last summer is because the Dutchman prefers the more traditional four at the back, so the transition was easier for the squad he inherited. Under Jurgen Klopp, the style of the first team was mirrored down to academy level to ensure those who made the step up were familiar with the playing patterns.”

Amorim’s formation and style has bought him huge success early in his managerial career. He ended Sporting’s 19-year wait for a league title and has since added numerous honours since. The Lisbon outfit are again top of the table with Amorim leaving his post in a week.

Whilst Liverpool wouldn’t have suited a back three, largely down to the personnel they have at the club, United could be aided by changing their defensive shape. Gary Neville is among those who believes that tweak could help them improve on their poor start.

Arne Slot has enjoyed a stellar start at Liverpool ( Image: Getty Images)

He said: I have thought for a number of months that, looking at the players that United have that they’d maybe be better suited to going three at the back. Just purely because of the lack of a centre-back pairing and the full-backs look better going forward than they do defensively, so maybe that could happen.

“Maybe that might give them a bit more comfort because it would give them an extra body at the back and players would be in a system where they got more support. That’s something I’ve thought for a few months, whether that’s the right way to go I’m not sure.”