Ruben Amorim’s era as the head coach of Manchester United begins on Sunday afternoon, with a trip to take on Ipswich.
Despite the worst start to the season in recent memory, Manchester United sit just four points off third in the Premier League. Due to this, Gary Neville is expecting a Champions League qualification push from Ruben Amorim from now until June.
With such tight margins, this is a target we feel is absolutely achievable.
Especially after Amorim’s Friday press conference, we could be lying to say we are not completely sold on the Portuguese coach. Amorim has identified two ways United must be better already, and these are two of the biggest problems under Erik ten Hag.
Amorim’s demands of his United squad are clear for everyone to understand. Such a defined style of play will take time to be perfect but we should begin to see principles and hopefully three points on Sunday during United against Ipswich.
Now, as we edge closer toward kick-off, all eyes are firmly on the potential team selection United will deploy at Portman Road.
How Manchester United could line-up against Ipswich
Fans across the globe will be eagerly anticipating Amorim’s first game in charge and the team selection will be equally as intriguing.
Amorim will have a strong group to choose from, with several injured players now returned from their problems. However, one player still out is Luke Shaw as Amorim explained his concerns over the left-back.
So here is how we predict Amorim will line-up United vs Ipswich.
Andre Onana
So with much of the squad uncertain, one position which is guaranteed is the goalkeeper spot with Andre Onana likely to start. The Cameroonian has been in strong form all season, leading the league in clean sheets.
Leny Yoro
As of now, Leny Yoro has not been ruled out and with Harry Maguire injured he could be needed from the very start this weekend. However, it would not be a surprise to see Amorim play someone out of position here, maybe even Noussair Mazraoui.
Matthijs de Ligt
With defensive injuries, we expect Matthijs de Ligt to step into the starting line-up. The only question is where in the back three he will play – with much depending on the fitness of Yoro.
Jonny Evans
The potential absence of Lisandro Martinez through injury could mean Jonny Evans is a starter in Amorim’s first game – although he is far from the ideal fit in this position. Godwill Kukonki’s exclusion from U18 action places him with an outside chance of playing if it comes to that.
Diogo Dalot
Out at right wing-back, we have Diogo Dalot down to start, with Amorim confirming it will be a full-back, not a winger who plays here to begin with.
Manuel Ugarte
Moving into central midfield, in the more defensive role of the two we would expect Manuel Ugarte to step straight into the starting line-up assuming he has recovered after international duty with Uruguay.
Casemiro
Kobbie Mainoo is probably fit to play, but with his recent injury problems, it may be smarter to ease him back into things, so we have opted for Casemiro to continue his impressive partnership with Ugarte.
Noussair Mazraoui
At left wing-back, injuries mean Amorim has no natural option so it could be that he deploys Noussair Mazraoui here. However, expect Tyrell Malacia to get some minutes – or maybe even Antony at wing-back.
Amad Diallo
Now, moving on to the attack and in the right inside forward role we expect to see Amad Diallo start. Amorim has taken a particular interest in Amad in training. Alejandro Garnacho will be frustrated to miss out but will be eager to impress when given a chance.
Bruno Fernandes
Captain fantastic Bruno Fernandes should be picked as the second inside forward, despite warnings that he needs to evolve under Amorim. However, we expect that Mason Mount will also be closely considered as well.
Marcus Rashford
Amorim could deploy Marcus Rashford as the striker here ahead of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Amorim explained Rashford can play up top and therefore we think that will happen in this game.
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