The introduction of wing-backs at Manchester United has given them the change in identity that was long overdue.

In the 4-2-3-1 formation United largely became wedded to under Erik ten Hag, their football, regardless of the results, became stale, making it easy to understand why Ruben Amorim made identity the buzzword of his maiden media interview.

Despite results so far not being as positive as Amorim would have hoped for, there is no denying evidence of what he is trying to achieve has been on show. United, at times, have played some good stuff, and Amorim's system was key to stifling Liverpool in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield.

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United's performance against the Premier League leaders has set a standard Amorim's players must now aim to try and hit week-in, week-out. However, it remains blindingly obvious that fresh blood is needed throughout the squad.

This month's January transfer window, of course, is not the ideal time for a rebuild to take shape, and nor will it. Instead, the summer is likely to mark the first juncture for Amorim's vision to take its first meaningful leap.

Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system is very much reliant on the wing-backs. Gary Neville, following the defeat to Newcastle United, said the Portuguese head coach needs two "quite unique players" to operate on the flanks.

To give United as much balance as possible, that, ideally, would feature a winger on one side and a full-back on the other. Both players, however, would have to be equally comfortable both defending and attacking.

Amad started the Amorim era as the right-sided wing-back and quickly got to grips with the responsibilities that come with that role. However, he has started each of United's last five Premier League matches in attack, operating as the right-sided No.10.

Ahead of the defeat to Newcastle at the end of December, Amorim was quizzed on his decision to persist with the Ivorian higher up the pitch when he had been performing so admirably as a wing-back in previous weeks. His answer quickly made his thinking crystal clear.

"I think Amad, in that position [right wing-back], he could be an option, but in this moment, with the type of players we have, we need a left footer on that position in front," said Amorim.

United are not knee-deep in left-footed options in the attacking department, with Amad and Antony their only wide men who are left-footed. Antony has done nothing to suggest he has a long-term future at Old Trafford, hence ongoing speculation linking him with an exit, and he has made just 12 appearances this season.

Furthermore, the introduction of a winger-less system at Old Trafford means it is becoming increasingly possible Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, who are both right-footed, could depart. Neither of them have been tested as wing-backs by Amorim amid their unsuitability.

The left-sided No.10 role is likely to become Bruno Fernandes' long-term position under his fellow countryman. Mason Mount, as a right-footed player, could compete with him for that role amid Amorim's hunger for a left-footed player on the other side of the central striker.

However, Amorim's suggestion that Amad, long-term, could revert back to the wing-back position only strengthens United's case to sign a left-footed starter for the right-sided No.10 position. United need someone who is tailor-made for an Amorim-like system.

This reporter has already outlined why Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo would be an ideal candidate. He fits the criteria as a left-footer, is Premier League-ready and is regularly scoring goals.

Amad, of course, would be able to interchange with Mbeumo or any other prospective signing to give Amorim the offer of rotation and competition. He is more than capable of playing higher up the pitch even though the best of his performances of Amorim have come via the wing-back position.

Based on Amorim's admission, United best add the addition of a left-footed No.10 to the left wing-back and centre-forward that are already on their shopping list.