Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United applauds
Bruno Fernandes is fine after icing his ankle on Sunday
Chris Sutton has named three players that Ruben Amorim must work closely with as he looks to establish his strongest Manchester United starting lineup. The former Sporting CP boss, who is five games into his tenure at Old Trafford, has had a mixed start, with consecutive victories over Bodo/Glimt and Everton followed by losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
The Red Devils are still adjusting to Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 formation and they currently sit 13th in the Premier League – eight points adrift of the top four. With little time to find the right formula ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen and Sunday's derby against Manchester City, the Portuguese tactician has been rotating his side in search of his best XI.
However, Sutton remains unconvinced by what he's seen. Speaking to Spaceport Sweden, as quoted by the Mirror, the former Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers striker was asked to name three players whose futures seem secure under Amorim.
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"You're glass half empty, there aren't three names," said Sutton. "The 3-4-3, to implement that, they're playing three games a week at this moment in time. It's really difficult for them. It's not surprised me, the fact that the first real test they came up against, set-piece Arsenal.
"And then at the weekend, Forest, who have had an excellent season. They've found it difficult and so I don't think anything has greatly changed. There's a guy who's coming and he just needs patience and he's trying to find the right formula.
"So, you know, there is that aspect and that's not easy. This isn't his mess. It's just a mess he's inherited and he's trying to clear up," added Sutton. "I think Bruno Fernandes – he'll find a role for him somewhere. I always think Lisandro Martinez has a bit about him and Kobbie Mainoo has to be one.
"I do worry about [Christian] Eriksen and Casemiro long term if you're playing the system which he plays, every team needs legs. Mainoo offers more than just legs, but you need that athleticism. I think the jury's out on a lot of players. I'm glad you didn't say five names."
United are already making changes, with Marcus Rashford among those they are reportedly open to offers for in the January transfer window. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to reshape the squad, with Casemiro and Eriksen likely to be moved on at the end of the season, while Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans also out of contract in June.
Amorim believes he can get the best out of the squad he has inherited from Erik ten Hag, given time. After the defeat to Forest, the United boss said: "You have to continue your job, doing the same things, being really convinced of your way.
"I'm really convinced of that. It's really hard to lose games. I know the public and the fans want to win. It's a long time without winning, without that feeling. We're in a long journey and we're going to do it."