Milan, why Amorim personally defends Estupinan: managing the wide players and Moreira’s possible dual role

Amorim was an excellent midfielder in his playing days, but he is Estupinan's staunchest defender: "At the end of the transfer window, we had a list of clubs who wanted Estupinan. But I said no. So I want the fans to know it was my responsibility." Besides Aston Villa, Benfica pushed hard in the final hours for an opening from AC Milan that never came. Yet Amorim remains determined to keep Estupinan and has blind faith in the Ecuador international, despite the criticism he faced again yesterday after a truly disastrous spell on the pitch against Atalanta.

The designated starters

Amorim is captain of a ship whose crew he keeps changing by choice. The Portuguese manager believes firmly in his ideas, including an approach with no established core, let alone a fixed formation. He has tested those ideas throughout this opening period, making changes from match to match to suit the opposition. Now he has reached a conclusion: AC Milan are more competitive and dangerous when Chukwueze and Moreira are on the left. Moreira has already become a favourite at San Siro: the Milan crowd greet his bursts down the flank with enthusiastic applause. Chemistry and talent make it work.

Estupinan ahead of Bartesaghi

Amorim's defence of Estupinan would make a top lawyer proud. He wants the player to play more freely, without constantly fearing mistakes, even with the simplest passes or most basic defensive reads. The Portuguese manager will stick to his view for some time yet. He still considers the former Brighton player ahead of Bartesaghi, who seems to have put the difficulties he showed at the end of last season behind him after his commitments with the Under-21s.

Moreira also Chukwueze’s deputy

Amorim deserves credit for reviving major recent investments who had looked to be on their way out of the club. Chukwueze is the clearest example. Amorim has built a direct, frank and productive relationship with him, reinventing him as a right-sided midfielder after he arrived at AC Milan as a wide forward in a front three. But Chuku, as his team-mates call him, has not played regularly over the past two years, so breaks or fatigue may take their toll. Against Atalanta, Hutichinson did not entirely convince, particularly when his side were out of possession. Moreira is in excellent shape, mentally and physically, and can deputise for Chukwueze on the right when needed. His performance in that role against Juventus should not obscure where Diego is at his best: on the opposite flank. That was also his first start, and nerves played a part.