Ruben Amorim will know his best Man Utd team. (Image: Getty)
strongest team is clear after displaying signs of how he wants to play in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against . United laboured to the stalemate at Portman Road, but there is an acknowledgement of the mammoth task ahead for Amorim to realise his 3-4-3 vision.
Given the drastic change in instructions from regime, the Portuguese tactician admitted that he prioritised players with more training days since his arrival for the trip to East Anglia.
But after the return of multiple recent injury absences in the matchday squad, with others on the brink of a comeback, his best lineup should involve five changes.
Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans hasn’t put much of a foot wrong since his surprise return last summer, but Amorim’s system isn’t suited to a 36-year-old centre-back.
He struggled as the left-centre-back against Ipswich and will drop out once Lisandro Martinez returns to fitness or when Luke Shaw is ready to start games again.
Noussair Mazraoui
The same applies to Noussair Mazraoui. He has been one of the signings of the summer, consistently delivering assured performances at right-back, left-back, and attacking midfield since his £13million switch.
However, Leny Yoro is expected to become Amorim’s first-choice right-centre-back, and both wing-back positions look set to be occupied.
Diogo Dalot may be a big-name exclusion. (Image: Getty)
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Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot was a stalwart under Ten Hag and will be galvanised by his Portuguese compatriot’s arrival. Yet, United’s left-wing-back at Ipswich hasn’t been good enough this season.
With Amad already making an impact as Amorim’s inverted wing-back on the right, Shaw may be preferred on the left when he’s ready to start regularly.
Casemiro
Similarly to Evans, Amorim’s high-octane demands don’t suit the 32-year-old midfield pairing at Portman Road.
Manuel Ugarte likely would’ve started ahead of Casemiro if he hadn’t returned late from international duty. Expect him to replace the Brazilian as early as Thursday night.
Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen looks likely to leave United on a free transfer at the end of the season. The Dane simply doesn’t possess the engine required to operate as Amorim’s box-to-box midfielder.
Kobbie Mainoo does, and the 19-year-old will re-establish himself as a regular presence once he completes his road to recovery.
‘s best XI: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez; Amad, Ugarte, Mainoo, Shaw; Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford.