How Ruben Amorim’s New-Look Manchester United Line-Up Could Appear with Formation Change
Ruben Amorim has now been confirmed as Manchester United’s manager.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Amorim reached a preliminary agreement with United to take over as manager following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag was relieved of his position early on Monday after United’s 2-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday.
The club had been negotiating a compensation agreement with Sporting, and now Amorim has officially taken on the role. He is expected to begin his duties on November 11, preparing for his first game on November 24 against Ipswich Town.
Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation offers balance by enabling the wing-backs to drop back into a five-man defense when the opposition attacks, while allowing them to join the attack when United holds possession. Although United currently lacks depth on the left side of defense, this system could benefit the team over time, especially once injured players return.
Andre Onana is projected to retain his role as the primary goalkeeper. Since joining from Inter Milan in July 2023, he has demonstrated significant improvement, particularly in shot-stopping, and continues to showcase his skill in ball distribution—a key reason United chose him to replace David de Gea.
For defense, the 3-4-3 setup allows Amorim to utilize a trio of central defenders. The club bolstered this area by signing Leny Yoro from Lille and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich over the summer. Although De Ligt’s United tenure has had a mixed start, and Yoro is yet to debut due to a preseason injury, United hopes Yoro will be fit for November. He’s regarded as a promising talent and will likely form part of United’s core defense alongside the seasoned Martinez and De Ligt.
In this formation, Yoro would fit well as the right-sided center-back, with Martinez handling the left side due to his accurate passing, and De Ligt positioned centrally.
The wing-back roles would be highly competitive, with Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia as options. While Shaw and Malacia are still recovering from injuries, Dalot and Mazraoui are available. Dalot thrives on the right with his pace, while Mazraoui, though not a natural left-sided player, could manage the left flank.
Midfield selection could pose a challenge for Amorim, given United’s depth when everyone is healthy. Kobbie Mainoo is considered an outstanding talent and would be a strong choice for the starting line-up as a balanced midfielder capable of contributing offensively and defensively. Club captain Bruno Fernandes, who has struggled to find top form this season, remains an influential figure and could be crucial in providing creative spark.
For the attacking line, Amorim could retain the same front three that Ten Hag used in his final match. Rasmus Hojlund would likely continue as the main striker, with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford on either side.
Potential Starting Line-Up Under Amorim:
Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Fernandes, Mazraoui; Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho.
