Ruben Amorim felt the warm embrace of the Old Trafford crowd on Thursday evening as he secured his first win as Manchester United manager.
It wasn’t necessarily plain sailing as the Red Devils came from behind to beat Norway’s Bodo/Glimt 3-2 in the Europa League, but it was a significant weight lifted off Amorim’s shoulders. The Portuguese will be desperate to capitalize on continental victory when Everton visit Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.
A mitigating factor for United’s dismal start to the season was the sheer number of injuries sustained in the opening weeks. While fitness concerns remain for Amorim, particularly in defence, he has already welcomed back a number of first-team players since the start of his reign.
Here’s how the Red Devils could line up in Amorim’s third game in charge.
GK: Andre Onana – After largely eradicating frequent errors from his game this term, Onana produced an unconvincing performance on Thursday evening. It is unlikely to be busy on this given weekend evertonscoring record, but he needs to stay on.
CB: Noussair Mazraoui – The Moroccan’s long-term future may not be as a right centre-back in a back three, but he has adapted admirably to the new role, albeit just two games into Amorim’s reign.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – Get the best out of summer recruitment and former Kopa Trophy winner De Ligt could be decisive for Amorim. The Dutch defender has the potential to be one of the best in the world, but is far from that status as things stand.
CB: Lisandro MartÃnez – Martinez returned to the lineup Thursday evening and came within an hour of victory. It wasn’t his most convincing defensive display, but he got out of the back three effectively.
RM: Diogo Dalot – Dalot made a huge difference off the bench against Bodo/Glimt and earned the start against Everton this weekend. Competent in defense and attack, he should provide some balance on the right side.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo – Casemiro did not enjoy a particularly impressive outing on Amorim’s debut against Ipswich Town in what was his 100th game for United. The returning Mainoo, who has been an unused substitute in the last two games, could replace the Brazilian this Sunday.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – Ugarte made 85 appearances for Amorim at Sporting CP and looked comfortable in the 3-4-2-1 formation against Bodo/Glimt. The combative Uruguayan will be key to avoid Everton’s counter-attacks and recover second balls.
LM: Luke Shaw – Shaw has made two substitute appearances in a row after missing the entirety of the campaign before the November international break. The powerful winger could prove a hand in left midfield.
RF: Bruno Fernandes – Fernandes played in a deeper role against Bodo/Glimt and it remains to be seen where he fits into Amorim’s long-term system. He could return to the bottom third at the weekend, playing just behind Rasmus Hojlund.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – The early signs are positive as Amorim looks to transform another powerful Scandinavian striker into a ruthless world-beater. Hojlund scored twice and attended the Europa League midweek.
LF: Marcus Rashford – Rashford scored the first goal of the Amorim era last weekend after just two minutes but did little else at Portman Road. He has three goals and five assists in the last meetings with the Toffees.
