Manchester United’s possible line-up under Ruben Amorim.

Author: Liam Lacey, Last Updated: 28 Nov 2024

With the anticipated debut of new Manchester United Head Coach Ruben Amorim coming up against Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town on November 24th we thought it might be a good idea to look at how United may line-up for that game and the first few games of the Portuguese Coach’s tenure.

Amorim comes to the Premier League armed with one of the most recognisable playing styles in European football from his time at Sporting, so it will be interesting to see how quickly he can get his ideas across to his new squad.

Amorim’s Style

The 39-year old’s preferred formation is to set up with 3 centre backs with attacking wing backs providing the width. Usually one of the centre backs is capable of stepping into midfield and starting attacks while the former Portugal international does have a history of converting wide players into attacking wing backs to suit his preferred system. Two Number 10’s usually line up behind a central striker, although he has played without an out and out No 9 in the past.

How Will Manchester United Line-Up

There is actually a number of players at Manchester United who should suit the Amorim style of play if the Portuguese Coach decides to adopt his style of play in the Premier League. With that in mind, we have decided to take a stab at a potential line-up Amorim could use in his first few matches at Manchester United as he tries to implement his football philosophy on his under achieving squad.

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

Onana has settled after a shaky start to his United career last season. His ball playing ability should suit Amorim’s style, but he will also hope he is less busy with a better coached team in front of him under his new Coach.

Right Centre Back: Jonny Evans

With summer signing Lenny Yoro probably not yet ready, and Victor Lindelof picking up an injury away with Sweden, it appears most likely that Jonny Evans will fill in as one of the centre backs for Amorim’s first game.

Centre Back: Matthijs De Ligt

That central role in the back 3 seems to be perfect for the former Ajax captain as he can use his experience and leadership abilities to good use with Lenny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez appearing to be his likeliest long term partners moving forward under Amorim.

Left Centre Back: Lisandro Martinez

Martinez should be tailor made for how Amorim wants to play. That left hand centre back role should suit him as he has the ball playing ability to start attacks with his incisive passing from the back.

Right Wing Back: Diogo Dalot

Considering who we have picked as our left wing back it might be worth having a more defensively solid option on the opposite wing and Dalot fits the bill. He hasn’t got back to the levels of last season so far, but a new era might just revitalise the Portugal international.

Centre Midfield: Manuel Ugarte

Ugarte has already worked with Amorim, and although he will return late from Uruguay duty I would expect him to be straight in the team as a key part of the new manager’s plans with his new team.

Centre Midfield: Kobbie Mainoo

Mainoo is only returning from injury, but again if fit, expect him to be in the team as Amorim will surely want to see how well he can play with Ugarte. That has the makings of an impressive midfield with Mainoo’s ball playing ability complementing the tackle machine that is Ugarte.

Left Wing Back: Alejandro Garnacho

Will probably end up as one of the attacking midfielders long term, but with only Antony as an alternative at left wing back until Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia regain fitness, to begin with, Amorim may just use Garnacho as an attacking weapon down the left flank.

Attacking Midfield: Amad Diallo

It could be Rashford, but Amad or Garnacho should probably warrant a place as one of the attacking players behind Hojlund. His ability to run with the ball and his form over the last few matches might earn the former Atalanta youngster a place alongside Bruno.

Attacking Midfield: Bruno Fernandes

Bruno could really shine in this role for his new manager. He just missed the chance to work with Amorim at Sporting, but operating as one of the 10s behind Hojlund could get Bruno back to his creative and scoring best.

Striker: Rasmus Hojlund

Hojlund will be hoping he is Viktor Gyokeres mark 2 under Ruben Amorim. The young Dane possesses the raw materials to be a leading No 9 at Manchester United, but he will have to make an impact fairly quickly under his new boss, or else those Gyokeres rumours may just start getting louder.

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