Ruben Amorim will be thankful for the international break as, despite going into it with some wind in his sails, his soldiers were dropping like flies.
The two-week window will allow him to work with the fallen lieutenants and nurse them back to fitness, as Amorim’s international break plan has already revealed.
Especially in defence, in light of Ayden Heaven’s injury, Ruben Amorim literally didn’t have enough numbers to fill his back five with players in their natural positions.
Fortunately, barring any setbacks, the break comes at the perfect time, and could see a very different Man Utd XI field by the manager for the first game back.
Here’s the strongest United XI for Amorim after the international break as the club enters a crunch part of the season with the Europa League on the line.
Photo by James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images
Goalkeeper – Andre Onana
No prizes for guessing who takes the spot. This might change next season but he’s ironclad for now.
RCB – Noussair Mazraoui
Leny Yoro came off at half-time in the game against Arsenal and didn’t play again before the break but the Man Utd manager has already said his injury is not long-term. However, Noussair Mazraoui takes the cake here for his sterling form and more match-readiness with experience.
CCB – Matthijs de Ligt
Amorim has said De Ligt and Maguire can’t play together, and De Ligt has been in sparkling form of late so Maguire sits out despite probably being fit after the break.
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LCB – Luke Shaw
It’s unlikely that Luke Shaw will be straight back into the starting lineup but he is one of two big returns and the position change. With his fitness history, he won’t be trusted to play as a wing-back but he’s ideal as the left centre-back. Fingers crossed he keeps fit now.
RWB – Diogo Dalot
Dalot has shown signs of life recently with consecutive games of goal contributions and a big reason why is that he’s settled on his preferred right side. Expect that to continue now that a key man makes his return.
LWB – Patrick Dorgu
Dorgu has served his three-match suspension after his red card against Ipswich – missing Fulham, Arsenal, and Leicester City. He brings balance to the side and will start right away.
DM – Manuel Ugarte
Crucial injury return just before the break. United will hope he comes back from Uruguay duty safe and sound. Untouchable in the United squad.
DM – Bruno Fernandes
If all’s well, Kobbie Mainoo should be back after the break too but Bruno Fernandes’ form and suitability in building from the back makes him a no-brainer choice, especially due to another big return.
AM – Mason Mount
Like Shaw, he won’t be rushed back straight into the starting lineup but Amorim has repeatedly made it obvious that Mount makes his strongest XI. His intelligence, pressing, and off-the-ball running make him ideal for it.
AM – Alejandro Garnacho
This remains a spot that has no outright favorite and is more of a “horses for courses” selection. Garnacho against teams who provide space, Joshua Zirkzee against low blocks. At least Amorim will finally have options.
ST – Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund broke his goal drought before the break and United will hope he takes it up a notch with Denmark. As it stands, he’s the only natural striker at the club.
Beyond these players, returns of players like Harry Maguire, Mainoo, Leny Yoro, and Altay Bayindir will make the bench stronger instead of making it look like an academy fixture.
Amad is a tricky one because his injury is long term so the most optimistic expectation is a cameo in the Europa League final if United get there. Lisandro Martinez is long-term while Jonny Evans has probably played his last United game, and so has Tom Heaton.