Ruben Amorim can now begin planning his starting XI after officially becoming Manchester United manager.
It is likely the Portuguese boss will want to bring his favoured 3-4-3 formation over from Sporting Lisbon to Old Trafford. It proved successful as he took 11 wins from 11 league games with Sporting, leaving them top of the league in Portugal. And they are also second in the Champions League table, after smashing Manchester City 4-1 in a result that has already endeared him to his new supporters.
Amorim now joins a team in disarray. The fallen Premier League giants are 13th going into the international break. Unhappy players like Alejandro Garnacho have begun to not even celebrate some of their goals – yet a new manager signifies a new beginning for a club.
United fans will be hoping for the ‘new manager bounce’ within the side. And while in terms of selection, the Red Devils do have some injuries to contend with, many of the stars who have been out are expected to return in time for Amorim’s first game away against Ipswich Town on Sunday, November 24.
This means he will have a larger pool to select from – so here Daily Star Sport have had a go at predicting Amorim’s best starting XI available to him at this stage.
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Andre Onana: This will likely be the one pick that all United fans will agree with and one which shouldn’t trouble Amorim. Onana has kept five clean sheets in the Premier League this season, the most in the league, and overcome the blunders that characterised his early time at Old Trafford.
Diogo Dalot: Some might say that his open-goal miss against West Ham ended Erik ten Hag’s tenure. Either way, Dalot is the clear favourite for the right wing back role.
Harry Maguire: With the 3-4-3 formation, having a solid defender at the back is something Amorim will be looking. Maguire’s aerial ability both in defence and attack is a massive bonus. He is expected back from an ankle injury soon.
Lisandro Martinez: Although on the smaller side for a defender, the Argentinian makes up for it with his positioning, plus bucket loads of passion and competitive fire. His determination to fight for the ball would lean him to keeping his spot.
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Matthijs de Ligt: The Dutch defender hasn’t shone so far at his time in Manchester, but fans know what he’s capable of. Joined with Maguire and Martinez, it could be a feared back line.
Noussair Mazzraoui: The Moroccan fullback has been working well at the club. His strive to create chances, joint on the other side by Dalot, make the United wings dangerous. This will only increase under a 3-4-3 formation.
Kobbie Mainoo: Since his breakthrough game last season, Mainoo has been a fan favourite. Always looking to get on the ball and make space, he deserves the spot over Casemiro.
Bruno Fernandes: Although a heavily criticises player, Fernandes is a true leader in the squad. With a handful of goals and assists this season, he will likely keep the armband under Amorim.
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Marcus Rashford: Even if his performances aren’t what they used to be, there’s always a feeling Rashford is going to do something special. His pace down the wing is electric and rarely beaten.
Rasmus Hojlund: Neither the Dane or Joshua Zirkzee have proven themselves as the striker for United, Hojlund has proven previously that he is the one with a killer instinct in front of goal.
Amad Diallo: Yes, I’m picking Diallo over Garnacho. The Argentinian needs a moment to sit back. Diallo isn’t shy in front of goal. His two goals at PAOK reminded fans of what he can do.
Man Utd’s strongest XI under Amorim (3-4-3): Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Mazzaroui, Mainoo, Mount, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund, Diallo
Bench: Altay Bayindir, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho