Ruben Amorim has revealed he has experimented with a four-man defence in Manchester United training ahead of a potential formation change.
The Portuguese head coach has been criticised for his regular use of a back three during his Old Trafford tenure, but there have been matches when they have switched to a more traditional back four. United's chaotic draw with Bournemouth was one such match, when United began with a four-man defence but also switched to a back three during certain moments.
United still have work to do if they are to permanently switch to a more orthodox 4-3-3 formation, and Amorim might need to alter his personnel to make it a success. With that in mind, we have taken a look at what United's strongest starting line up could be if they made the tactical switch.
Lammens is the first-choice goalkeeper and won't be impacted by the formation change.
1. GK - Senne Lammens
Lammens is the first-choice goalkeeper and won't be impacted by the formation change. | Getty Images
De Ligt has enjoyed a good campaign and is the first-choice central defender on current form.
2. CB - Matthijs De Ligt
De Ligt has enjoyed a good campaign and is the first-choice central defender on current form. | Manchester United via Getty Images
Martinez is expected to nail down a starting role in central defence when fully match fit.
3. CB - Lisandro Martinez
Martinez is expected to nail down a starting role in central defence when fully match fit. | Manchester United via Getty Images
Mazraoui is trusted by Ruben Amorim and might be the best right-back option in the squad.
4. RB - Noussair Mazraoui
Mazraoui is trusted by Ruben Amorim and might be the best right-back option in the squad. | Manchester United via Getty Images