Ruben Amorim has admitted himself that he is slowly starting to learn his strongest starting XI at Manchester United.
It has been exactly one month today since Ruben Amorim was welcomed to Carrington as Manchester United’s new head coach.
Since then, the Portuguese has taken charge of five games and currently boasts a record of two wins, one draw and two defeats – which have both come in the last two games.
Amorim has called for patience as he implements his ideas and style of play. Coming in midway through the season and bringing so much change comes with plenty of teething problems.
One of those is having to get to know players quickly and so far Ruben Amorim has been keen to rotate and give everyone a chance, but a strongest XI is starting to emerge.
Ruben Amorim the manager of Manchester United looks dejected after the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Nottingham Forest FC a...
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
What is Ruben Amorim’s strongest XI at Man United?
Ever since arriving in Manchester, Amorim has quickly got to work implementing his ‘spectacular’ 3-4-3 system, and a few players have thrived in new roles.
Goalkeeper
A fairly simple choice. Andre Onana has been “terrific” this season and is a nailed-on choice between the sticks for United.
His distribution and composure at the back has helped United to keep possession and take control of matches – something Amorim has been keen to drill into his squad.
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Defence
Amorim has, of course, implemented a three-at-the-back formation at United and he has plenty of options at centre-back.
However, his strongest combination appears to be the three he selected to face Nottingham Forest. Matthijs de Ligt has been superb under Amorim at the centre of that three and looks comfortable in this shape having played a similar role for the Netherlands.
Leny Yoro made his first start against Forest and looks set to lock down the right centre-back position. Amorim has been full of praise for Yoro and he could help him fulfil his lofty potential at United.
On the left of the three, Lisandro Martinez looks like Amorim’s strongest option. Amorim wants his United side to be aggressive in the press and give attackers no space to turn – that is a huge strength of Martinez.
Midfield
Starting with the two wing-backs – this has been the most unique position for Amorim to fill at United with the Red Devils not having any natural wing-backs available in the squad.
However, Amad Diallo has become ‘undroppable’ at right wing-back and has been United’s best player since Amorim’s arrival. He adds flair and creativity while also adding energy and intensity to United’s press.
On the left, Diogo Dalot is still the strongest option. But Amorim is desperate to sign a left-wing back in 2025. Tyrell Malacia has also made his return and looked solid on the left, but he is still trying to build up his match rhythm.
For the two central midfielders, there is no doubt that Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo is United’s long-term solution. Ugarte is proving to be world-class while Mainoo continues to be one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.
Attack
Amorim’s system involves two No.10s playing either side of a central striker.
Leading the line is Rasmus Hojlund. United’s Danish dangerman is not quite ready to become Amorim’s new Viktor Gyokeres, but he has already improved his output under the Portuguese.
Amorim praised Hojlund’s intensity and he seems better suited to his high-pressing style compared to Joshua Zirkzee.
On the right is United’s captain Bruno Fernandes, who has also played in central midfield under Amorim. But further forward, Fernandes can utilise his incredible creativity.
On the left, Marcus Rashford just about nudges in front of Alejandro Garnacho. There have been question marks over Rashford’s future at Old Trafford but he is still one of United’s best players when on form.
However, his consistency will need to improve and now at 27 years old he needs to become a leader in this side.
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