Ruben Amorim will have several midfield options at his disposal when picking his first Manchester United team.
Amorim has taken charge of his first training session as United’s new head coach since being confirmed in the role as Erik ten Hag’s successor earlier this month. Now the 39-year-old will be busy preparing for the return of Premier League football this weekend.
United will travel to face Ipswich Town on Sunday in their first match after the November international break. After beating Leicester City before the break, Amorim will be hoping to continue the form left by interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
On Monday, United were handed a welcome fitness boost with the return of Kobbie Mainoo to training. Mainoo has been sidelined for several weeks through injury that has prevented him from playing for United since October 6 against Aston Villa.
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Amorim took charge of training on Monday, and Mainoo was present as he looks to impress the new United boss. Should the England international progress well with his fitness over the next few days, he could be a likely option to start in midfield against Ipswich.
Should Mainoo be available, he could start alongside Manuel Ugarte in the middle of the park. Amorim typically goes with a 3-5-2 formation based on his track record at Sporting Lisbon, meaning Mainoo and Ugarte could perform in a double pivot in front of the defence.
If Amorim decides to go with his tried-and-trusted formation, that could mean Bruno Fernandes gets a more advanced role. The United captain could be deployed in the No.10 position in the 3-5-2 to support Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho on the wings, with either Joshua Zirkzee or Rasmus Hojlund as the centre forward.
Wing backs are also crucial to a 3-5-2 system working. Tyrell Malacia is edging closer to a return at left-back, with Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot still the most likely starters.
