Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United applauds the fans
Ruben Amorim will lead Manchester United for the first time at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
The Red Devils welcome Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League as the new United boss looks to earn three points at the Theatre of Dreams. Amorim will hope to get his tenure underway in earnest against the Norwegian side and to build some momentum to relaunch his side's campaigns in Europe and the Premier League.
A point seperates the teams with United three places behind their opponents in 15th position in the group phase. The top 16 teams qualify for the knockout phase play-offs, while a spot in the top eight sends you straight throught to the final 16.
More than anything, a win would take some of the burden off Amorim however, before targeting his first Premier League win against Everton. Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news surrounding the club.
Injury boost
Amorim will see greater defensive options in his seconding outing as Manchester United boss with the return of Lisandro Martinez. The Argentina international missed United's match against Ipswich Town after suffering a knock in United's previous game against Leicester City.
The 39-year-old was forced to bring Jonny Evans and Noussair Mazraoui into his side to be able to field his trademark back three at Portman Road. Now, Martinez could return to the side.
The former Ajax star featured in training on Wednesday, as did Harry Maguire. The game comes too soon for the England international however who last played in early October and is still building his fitness..
"Not Harry," Amorim confirmed in his pre-match press conference. "Licha is ready. He didn't stop too much time, so I feel he is ready. The situation is different to Harry's."
Bruno Fernandes
United captain Bruno Fernandes believes he will have an easier time adapting to his new coach's tactics than his younger teammates. Amorim immediately employed a 3-4-3 formation in his opening game and it saw Amad Diallo featuring in a new position of full-back and it is expected other stars could soon taken on other unfamiliar roles.
The Portugal international believes he has earned greater flexibility due to his experience with his national side and that he has already immersed himself in Amorim's methods due to watching Sporting on a regular basis.
"I think it could be worse for the younger players because for me, I know what the Sporting players were doing,” said Fernandes, “I wasn't reading what the manager was doing there, I was watching their games.
“When I go to the national team, sometimes we play with a back-three, sometimes I play as a No.10, sometimes I play wide. You always have to move. I don't think age should be a problem, either older or younger.
“It is about carrying the most you can from the dynamics. As the manager has said, you do not need to overthink things, you just need to know you have a base and a foundation."
Viktor Gyokeres latest
Sporting CP and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres has his heart set on a move to Manchester United. The 26-year-old hopes to reunite with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, though a gentleman's agreement ensures no deal will be struck in January.
Gyokeres' intentions have put off Barcelona, who had hoped to prise the striker from Portugal, from planning an offer and it appears the forward's relationship with Amorim will prove advantageous. United may have to beat interest from other Premier League sides such as Arsenal and Manchester City however.
Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush, Galatasaray's loanee Victor Osimhen, Paris Saint-Germain star Randal Kolo Muani and Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface are also said to be under consideration.
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