Manchester United are set to lose some key players over the coming weeks, with a number of their African players set to take part in AFCON.
It does leave Ruben Amorim short in some areas, but also gives him the chance to experiment and tweak his system.
Indeed, United fans saw a slight tweak of his 3-4-2-1 system last weekend against Bournemouth and it’s been suggested that he could move to a 4-3-3 shape over the coming weeks.
Taking into consideration the players that have left for AFCON, here’s how United could line up in a 4-3-3 system.
GK: Senne Lammens
The Belgian goalkeeper has looked like a steady addition since his arrival over the summer.
He currently ranks 12th in the league for goals prevented, which is a slight upgrade on Altay Bayındır and Andre Onana.
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RB: Diogo Dalot
The Portuguese full-back has drifted in and out of form, but has put a decent string of performances together of late.
With Noussair Mazraoui away at AFCON, Dalot seems like the obvious choice to slot in at right-back.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt
The Dutch international is one of the first names on the teamsheet right now and is someone with plenty of experience of playing in a back four.
So far this season, he’s made more clearances and interceptions than any other United player.
CB: Lisandro Martinez
The second centre-half spot is up for debate between Leny Yoro and Martinez.
With the Argentine defender having recently returned from injury, he’ll be keen to regain his spot in the starting XI as soon as possible.
Being naturally left-footed could give him the edge over Yoro, if Amorim does adopt a more traditional back four.
LB: Luke Shaw
Shaw would return to his natural spot at left-back, having mostly been used as a left-sided centre-back so far this season.
Now in his 12th season with United, the 30-year-old is one of the most experienced players in the dressing room.
CDM: Casemiro
It’s worth noting that Casemiro will be absent from the United XI against Aston Villa, as he recently picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, which triggers a one-game ban.
Manuel Ugarte seems like the most likely player to cover his position for that game, before the Brazilian will no doubt return to the XI against Newcastle on Boxing Day.
CM: Bruno Fernandes
Moving to a midfield three could benefit Fernandes‘ game as it would give him less defensive responsibility and allow him to focus on what he does best.
Unsurprisingly, the Portuguese international has been United’s most productive player this season, producing 12 goal contributions from midfield.
As part of a midfield three, his output would likely increase as well.
Fernandes' selection in his Rio Ferdinand interview was certainly unconventional.
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CM: Kobbie Mainoo
Fans have been dying to see Mainoo back in the XI and a move to a 4-3-3 system could be the perfect solution to reintegrate Mainoo.
As of writing, he’s only played 212 minutes of Premier League football, with all 11 of his games being as a substitute.
With talk of a January sale, it seems like a now-or-never moment for Mainoo at Old Trafford.
Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, Endrick
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RW: Mason Mount
With Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo unavailable due to AFCON, Amorim will have to get creative with this position.
Mount has shown a willingness to play wherever is needed at United and we wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a run of games on the right-hand side.
The 26-year-old is versatile enough to play anywhere across the forward line and even in this role, can drift into central positions.
ST: Benjamin Sesko
Having recently returned from injury, this is a good chance for Sesko to get a run of games under his belt.
The 22-year-old has shown flashes of quality, but has yet to show United fans what he’s fully capable of.
LW: Matheus Cunha
Given the shortages United currently have in the final third, Cunha will have a key role to play over the coming weeks.
The Brazilian has looked good on the eye, but is yet to fully get going in a United shirt, having only scored two league goals so far.
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