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Ruben Amorim will lead training for the first time this morning as a new era begins at Manchester United.
Amorim arrived in the country last week and spent some time getting a foothold in Carrington. Work will intensify this week as the players return from international duty and take time off to begin preparations for Sunday’s trip to Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old’s appointment has boosted sentiment among supporters that there will soon be progress at Old Trafford despite United languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table. Amorim will clearly want to put his own stamp on the team, but will also need time as he inherits a squad largely made up of Erik ten Hag and, given the January transfer window, will only be able to make big changes in the summer notoriously difficult time to do business.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the roster situation and where the players stand as Amorim gets to work.
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Safe as houses
The squad status of these players is beyond question and will likely form the basis for Amorim and United’s further development.
André Onana is the undisputed first choice in goal and shows the form, character and qualities of a top Premier League goalkeeper. Should Amorim then introduce a back three? Lisandro Martinez looks tailor-made for the left middle half position. The Argentine performed consistently and was one of Erik ten Hag’s better signings.
Mathijs De Ligt may still be in his infancy at United and has a bit of trouble with the name Ten Hag signing the Dutch player, but he has shown his ability since joining the team, was just a big money move in the summer and could be suitable for the form that Amorim uses. There is a lot of hype around the topic Leny Yorowhich United won against Real Madrid in the summer. He has not yet played due to injury, but the talented youngster is highly regarded and his age and ability should benefit both Amorim and Ineos.
Noussair Mazraoui was perhaps the surprise signing of the summer and the former Bayern Munich player has done enough to justify his place in United’s current best XI. It remains to be seen whether Amorim feels he is the natural first choice for the full-back role, but the 27-year-old’s versatility means he will prove more than useful in the future.
In midfield and captain Bruno Fernandes will be a key figure in the next few months. The captain’s role in a 3-4-3 system may be a little unclear, but he can be a creative spark for United. Manuel Ugarte, Having impressed under Amorim in Portugal, he is likely to be primed for a defensive role as a young player Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo And Alejandro Garnacho could be a regular for United in the coming years.
Point to prove
Let’s start with the one blatant admission of position from the top – above.
Rasmus Hojlund will likely be the focal point of the attack and although the Dane has performed well, he is yet to catapult himself into the Premier League’s top tier of strikers. His age and development must be taken into account, but the frontman could use another solid season to prove he is the man to lead the line in the future.
The same points could be applied to Joshua Zirkeeeven if he sees himself more as a second striker than a center forward. He has only scored one goal but could earn a role as one of Amorim’s double number 10 and will still need to get time as he only arrived in the summer.
Then there is Marcus Rashford. His ability is undisputed, but his consistency has been declining for the last 18 months. If Amorim can get the best out of the striker every week and provide a suitable home for him given his form, then Rashford can prove to be a crucial cog.
Defensive, Diogo Dalot And Harry Maguire is hoping for playing time, but doesn’t seem to have secured a long-term place in the team. Maguire has three years of experience and is a safe option if needed, but the days of being a regular for United appear to be a thing of the past. Dalot has played regularly on both sides of the back four and is another player who could have his eye on a spot in the full-back list. But the Portugal international needs to find consistency in his performances and show Amorim that he has the necessary qualifications to fulfill the role.
Support goalkeeper Altay Bayindir knows it will be difficult to move Onana, but he will seek more minutes under Amorim than he was afforded under Ten Hag.
work to do
Casemiro has enjoyed something of a midfield renaissance of late and could well start at Ipswich on Saturday. But he struggled last season and his age and salary mean his future at Old Trafford is far from certain. Amorim may be looking for a younger option in the engine room and Casemiro will have to keep delivering to show the new boss he deserves a starting spot.
Fitness issues have hampered Luke Shaw And Mason Mount Throughout their United careers, both will look to a 3-4-3 and feel they fit the mold perfectly, but neither has a reliable fitness record and both will want to ensure they stay injury-free long enough to show Amorim what they can offer.
Couple without a contract Johnny Evans And Christian Eriksen The future is uncertain, and while both have a lot to offer in the team role, it is unlikely that Amorim will consider either one as a starter
Last Chance Saloon
Anthony Due to his poor form and high price, he leads the category. It feels like the Brazilian’s opportunity at Old Trafford has passed, but he hopes Amorim can offer him a lifeline.
Tyrell Malacia made his comeback this week after 18 months on the sidelines and you can tell it’s now or never for him at United Victor Lindelof And Tom Heaton The contract expires in the summer and it is unlikely he will be offered many minutes in the future.
