Ruben Amorim faces the task of fielding his first Manchester United starting lineup on Sunday afternoon when the Red Devils visit Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
The Portuguese manager’s debut will be the talking point at Portman Road, with Man Utd supporters desperate for the 39-year-old’s reign to start with victory. While he won’t be expected to turn things around instantly, a positive start to life in English football would certainly garner the trust of the Old Trafford faithful.
Amorim is expected to make sweeping changes to Man Utd’s set-up on his arrival, employing his preferred, and most importantly successful, 3-4-3 formation used with Sporting CP. Who will feature where remains to be seen but injuries somewhat limit his choices initially.
Here is how Amorim could line Man Utd up on Sunday afternoon.
GK: Andre Onana – One position that isn’t up for grabs under the new regime is the goalkeeping spot, with Onana unquestionably the number one. He could do with producing an error-free performance on Amorim’s debut.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – De Ligt was an Erik ten Hag signing and a player who had worked closely with the former Man Utd coach. He now has to adapt under new management, although a three at the back system should suit him.
CB: Jonny Evans – With centre-back injuries an issue – Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof are all sidelined or doubts – the reliable experience of Evans could be used to stifle the physical Liam Delap.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – Martinez didn’t feature for Argentina over the international break due to injury and is doubtful to play at Portman Road. However, if remotely fit, the diminutive left-footer should make up part of the back three.
RM: Diogo Dalot – If Amorim employs his 3-4-3 set-up, it will be intriguing to see what he does in wide areas. Dalot will provide balance on the right-hand side but he’s not a particularly inspiring attacking option.
CM: Casemiro – After an injury scare against Leicester City before the break, Casemiro is back in training for the Red Devils. With Kobbie Mainoo likely to miss out this weekend, the Brazilian is a shoo-in to make up one half of the two-man midfield despite his recent trip to the United States.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – The combative midfielder made 85 appearances under Amorim during their stint together at Sporting and he’s likely to be a favourite under his old boss. He knows exactly what is required to succeed under the young coach.
LM: Noussair Mazraoui – Similarly to Dalot on the right wing, Mazraoui is a safe option at left midfield/wing-back, with Amorim perhaps tempted to utilise a natural winger on one of the two flanks.
RW: Bruno Fernandes – Questions have been asked about where Fernandes fits in the lineup under Amorim. Usually deployed in a number ten role, United’s skipper may have to move wider under his compatriot.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – Hojlund will be hoping Amorim can mould him into an elite centre-forward in the same manner he did with Viktor Gyokeres in Lisbon. A fresh start will be a good thing for the young striker.
LW: Marcus Rashford – Rashford has been miles off his best for some time now and Amorim’s arrival could spark a renaissance for the England international. His space in the starting lineup certainly isn’t safe.
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