How Manchester United could line-up against Ipswich in Ruben Amorim's first match
10/31/2024 09:37 AM
Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of Manchester United is expected to be the trip to Ipswich on November 24.
The new boss will take over from axed Erik ten Hag following the international break after overseeing Sporting’s next three fixtures.
Meanwhile, Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain in his interim role for the Red Devils in the meantime.
United face Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester before next month’s international break.
Amorim’s tenure is then set to get underway at Portman Road against the Tractor Boys.
It may also likely see the debut of his preferred 3-4-3 formation, which has seen him win two league titles in four years with Sporting.
The 39-year-old’s tactical approach sees him prefer wingers to full-backs in his wing-back positions.
Meanwhile, he has tended to pair a defensive player with a more creative option in the centre of midfield.
These factors provide hints at how United could line-up against Ipswich in just over three weeks’ time.
However, Amorim will also have to juggle his new club’s list of injury absentees.
Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Antony and Noussair Mazraoui are all currently being assessed to determine the extent of their injuries.
It is also unknown when Luke Shaw will return after his latest setback.
Harry Maguire is expected to be available next month, though, in time for Amorim’s arrival.
Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro are also set to be back before November 24, although it may be too soon for the defender.
Yoro has not played since picking up an injury on United’s pre-season tour in July.
Maguire’s return will give a boost to Amorim’s first three-man defence as he lines up alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.
Andre Onana will almost certainly keep his place in goal after an impressive start to the campaign for the Cameroonian.
As for the midfield, Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes provide United’s most obvious pairing in line with Amorim’s balance of defence and creativity.
Injuries mean Diogo Dalot is likely to feature at right-wing-back, with Marcus Rashford on the opposite flank.
Amorim could then complete his side with a youthful front three of Amad Diallo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho.
The new United boss has a choice up front between Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, with the pair having just three goals between them this term.
However, Hojlund currently edges out the summer signing with two strikes to his name from nine appearances.
