Ruben Amorim faces the task of fielding his first Manchester United starting line-up on Sunday afternoon when the Red Devils visit Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
The Portuguese manager’s debut will be the talk of the town at Portman Road, with Man Utd fans desperate for the 39-year-old’s reign to begin with victory. While he is not expected to turn things around instantly, a positive start to life in English football would certainly win the trust of the Old Trafford faithful.
Amorim is expected to make sweeping changes to Man Utd’s set-up upon his arrival, using his favorite and notably successful 3-4-3 formation used with Sporting CP. Who will appear where remains to be seen, but injuries limit their options a bit initially.
Here’s how Amorim might line up Man Utd get up on Sunday afternoon.
GK: Andre Onana – One position that is not up for grabs under the new regime is goalkeeper, with Onana arguably the number one. He could give a flawless performance in 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 manager. Now he has to adapt to a new management, although a three system at the back should suit him.
CB: Jonny Evans – With injuries at center back a problem – Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof are all sidelined or doubtful – Evans’ reliable experience could be used to stifle the physical Liam Delap.
CB: Lisandro MartÃnez – Martinez did not play for Argentina during the international break due to injury and is a doubt to play at Portman Road. However, if it is distance adjusted, the small left foot should be part of the back three.
RM: Diogo Dalot – If Amorim uses his 3-4-3 formation, it will be intriguing to see what he does in large areas. Dalot will provide balance on the right wing, but is not a particularly inspiring attacking option.
CM: Casemiro – After an injury against Leicester City before the break, Casemiro is back in Red Devils training. With Kobbie Mainoo likely to miss out this weekend, the Brazilian is a goal to fill the middle of the two-man midfield. despite his recent trip to the United States.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – The combative midfielder made 85 appearances for Amorim during their time together at Sporting and is likely to be a favorite of his former boss. He knows exactly what it takes to succeed under the young coach.
LM: Noussair Mazraoui – Like Dalot on the right wing, Mazraoui is a safe option in midfield/left back, with Amorim perhaps tempted to use a natural full-back on one of the two flanks.
RW: Bruno Fernandes – Questions have been asked about where Fernandes fits into the lineup with Amorim. Usually deployed in a number ten role, the United skipper may have to move further under his compatriot.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – Hojlund hopes Amorim can turn him into an elite centre-forward in the same way 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 far from his best for some time and the arrival of Amorim could spark a renaissance for the England international. His place in the starting lineup is certainly not secure.
