With Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui all heading to the Africa Cup of Nations, Manchester United will soon lose the entire right side of Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system. As reported this week, Amorim has already told his players that “a change is coming”, and United have been working extensively on a 4-3-3 structure at Carrington ahead of the Bournemouth match.
Once the AFCON trio departs, a shift isn’t just expected - it’s unavoidable. Based on roles and Amorim’s tactical requirements, this is United’s strongest 4-3-3 for the crucial run of fixtures ahead.
senne lammensGK: Senne Lammens
Lammens’ distribution and composure make him the natural choice behind a back four. Without Mazraoui contributing in buildup, United benefit even more from the Belgian’s calmness in possession.
RB: Diogo Dalot
Dalot becomes even more important once Mazraoui leaves. He offers consistency, work rate and excellent ball progression - essential traits in a 4-3-3 where the full-backs often provide width in buildup.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt
If fit, De Ligt anchors the defence. His aerial dominance and experience stabilise the back line at a time when tactical changes demand leadership.
CB: Lisandro Martínez
Martínez’s passing range is vital in a system that builds through the thirds. His ability to break lines helps Mainoo and Bruno receive the ball earlier and higher.
LB: Luke Shaw
Shaw’s return has already lifted United, and in a 4-3-3 he naturally pushes higher to support Mount. His overlapping runs and crossing provide balance to the left side.
DM: Casemiro
manchester united casemiro
Casemiro protects the centre-backs and gives United structure when they push forward. His positioning allows Mainoo to play with more freedom.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo thrives slightly higher than the No.6 role, linking phases, gliding past pressure and controlling tempo.
CM/AM: Bruno Fernandes
As a No.8, Bruno finds pockets, leads the press and still arrives in scoring areas. The role retains his influence while keeping United balanced behind him.
RW: Matheus Cunha
matheus cunha
Cunha becomes the best available option on the right. He carries the ball aggressively, presses intelligently and compensates for the absence of Amad and Mbeumo.
ST: Benjamin Sesko
Sesko’s return is perfectly timed. His movement, height and link play give United a focal point - something they often lacked when relying on two No.10s.
LW: Mason Mount
Mount’s resurgence has come from being used higher up the pitch. On the left of a 4-3-3, he presses relentlessly, combines with Shaw and drifts into central attacking pockets.
Why this XI makes sense for Amorim
ruben amorim manchester united
This 4-3-3 provides United with a more stable, coherent structure at a moment when the 3-4-2-1 no longer fits the available squad. The back four gives defensive clarity, the midfield three allows both Mainoo and Mount to play roles that suit them, and Bruno operates with freedom without exposing Casemiro behind him.
Up front, Sesko finally offers a natural focal point, while Cunha’s inside-drifting style helps soften the loss of United’s left-footed creators. The spacing is cleaner, transitions are safer, and the overall shape leans less on specialist profiles who won’t be available.
AFCON may have forced Amorim into a tactical rethink - but this 4-3-3 may end up revealing a more balanced and effective version of Manchester United.