Ruben Amorim’s highly anticipated Manchester United debut is just around the corner, with the Red Devils set to face Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday.
The Portuguese coach, who took the reins 23 days ago following Erik ten Hag’s departure, has had nearly two weeks to assess his squad and implement his tactics. Amorim is renowned for his 3-4-3 formation, which he has already put into practice in training sessions.
As Amorim prepares to name his first starting line-up, speculation is rife about who will get the nod. With Manchester United struggling to keep pace with the Premier League’s leading sides, Amorim’s team selection will be crucial in setting the tone for his tenure.
Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation is likely to shape his team selection, but who will be the lucky ones to start against Ipswich Town? The wait is almost over, and Red Devils fans will be eagerly anticipating Amorim’s first team sheet.
GK: Andre Onana
Andre Onana has undergone a remarkable transformation since his debut at Manchester United. The Cameroonian goalkeeper has been one of the team’s standout performers this season. Although Onana has yet to make a substantial impact on United’s possession-based game – a key aspect of his initial recruitment – this is likely to change under Ruben Amorim’s tutelage and the implementation of a new formation. Notably, Onana’s most impressive season to date came while playing behind a back three at Inter, suggesting that the addition of an extra centre-back will only enhance his distribution and overall performance.
RCB: Matthijs de Ligt
Despite Manchester United’s current centre-back shortage, Matthijs de Ligt is available for selection, having completed 90 minutes for the Netherlands against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday. The former Ajax captain has recently found his footing, producing significantly improved performances and showcased his aerial prowess and demonstrated greater composure on the ball, indicating a promising upward trajectory.
CB: Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans is poised to lead Manchester United’s defence in Ruben Amorim’s debut match, owing to a combination of injuries and absences. With Lisandro Martinez sent home from Argentina’s camp, Victor Lindelof injured while on international duty with Sweden, and Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire still working towards full fitness, the 36-year-old Evans is the most reliable option. Although he may not embody the youthful renewal United are seeking, Evans’ experience and dependability make him an ideal choice for Amorim’s first match in a new league. Evans has a proven track record of rising to the challenge in difficult away fixtures, as evidenced by his outstanding performances at Burnley last season and against Aston Villa last month, where he helped secure a clean sheet with a flawless second-half display off the bench.
LCB: Noussair Mazraoui
Noussair Mazraoui has been one of Manchester United’s standout performers in recent weeks, delivering impressive displays against Chelsea and providing an assist against Leicester. The Morocco international has demonstrated his versatility by playing on both the right and left flanks, although he has been more effective as a left-back. Mazraoui’s ability to invert into midfield when United are in possession has been a notable asset, and while he could potentially play as a wing-back, his defensive prowess makes him a stronger candidate to occupy the left-sided position in the back three, where he can provide support to the left winger and seamlessly integrate with the midfield.
RWB: Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot has endured a challenging start to the season, initially struggling at left-back before transitioning to his more natural right side. A particularly low point came with his shocking open-goal miss at West Ham, which contributed to the defeat and ultimately led to Ten Hag’s dismissal. However, with the arrival of compatriot Ruben Amorim, Dalot may be poised for a resurgence. He appears well-suited to the right wing-back role, which demands a delicate balance of attacking and defensive skills, and could thrive under Amorim’s guidance.
LWB: Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho was one of the standout performers under Ten Hag, alongside Kobbie Mainoo, but his playing style doesn’t necessarily align with Amorim’s preference for narrow wingers who operate as auxiliary No. 10s. Nevertheless, Garnacho’s talent and work rate make him too valuable to leave out, and he is likely to be deployed as a left wing-back. The Argentina international possesses the necessary stamina to support both defensive and attacking duties, and has made significant strides in his defensive work over the past year. Amorim has previously shown a willingness to utilise wingers in this role, with Maximiliano Araujo and Geovany Quenda adapting successfully to the position. With his dedication to the sport – described by a former coach as being “obsessed with football” – Garnacho is well-placed to thrive in Amorim’s revamped team.
CM: Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte is uniquely positioned to make an immediate impact under Amorim, having previously worked with the Portuguese coach. As the team’s primary ball-winner, Ugarte will assume a role that Amorim has consistently prioritised throughout his managerial career. Notably, Joao Palhinha played a pivotal role in Amorim’s title-winning campaign with Sporting, before Ugarte successfully inherited the position. Having been sparingly used by Ten Hag, Ugarte’s signing now appears to be a fortuitous acquisition for Amorim, who can leverage the midfielder’s expertise to anchor his team’s midfield.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo is nearing the one-year anniversary of his impressive full debut for Manchester United against Everton, and a starting berth against Ipswich would be a fitting way to mark his return from a six-week injury layoff. The England midfielder, who resumed full training and participated in Amorim’s inaugural session on Monday, boasts exceptional technical skill and confidence on the ball, making him an ideal partner for Manuel Ugarte in Amorim’s midfield setup.
RFW: Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United fans have been eagerly awaiting Bruno Fernandes’ return to his explosive attacking form, which characterised his first 18 months at the club. That wait may soon be over, as Fernandes appears tailor-made for Amorim’s system as a narrow forward. The Portuguese midfielder’s form suffered after Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the club, and he was subsequently asked to adopt various roles under Ten Hag, becoming a more versatile but less prolific player. However, with five goals and assists in his last five games for United and Portugal, Fernandes seems to be hitting his stride just in time for Amorim’s arrival.
LFW: Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo is poised to reap the benefits of a fresh start under Amorim, following a spell on the fringes under Ten Hag. The Ivorian winger has already shown glimpses of his potential, starring in United’s win over PAOK and impressing against Leicester. With a preference for playing in a more central role, Amad is well-suited to Amorim’s system, where he can operate as a second attacking midfielder behind the main striker, allowing him to build on his goal and assist tally.
CF: Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund is expected to lead the line, despite struggling to justify his £72m price tag thus far. The Danish striker has often appeared isolated, expending energy battling centre-backs rather than contributing to United’s build-up play. However, Amorim’s arrival may signal a change in fortunes for Hojlund, offering him greater freedom to roam across the attack. The coach’s success with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting, who has already scored 23 goals this season, may also provide Hojlund with a blueprint for success.
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