Amorim’s United will travel to Ipswich Town to take on Kieran McKenna’s side, who won their first Premier League game of the season last time out, away at Tottenham.
Issues Amorim is waiting on
The first place to start is by looking at what we don’t know, and that surrounds the fitness of key players, which we may know more about heading into the weekend. Right now the game is five days away.
Amad was back in training after missing international duty. He’s a probable and will likely be close to fully fit.
But also in Ruben Amorim’s first session were Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo and Tyrell Malacia. Three of those players have not played a single game all season, and it is very unclear how close they actually are to being ready.
Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are both currently being assessed after withdrawing from international duty. Their status’ heading into the game remains unclear.
And we also do not currently know whether Manuel Ugarte or Alejandro Garnacho will be considered as starters as they are playing in South America in the early hours of Wednesday. The late Sunday kick-off certainly does United a favour.
Early prediction for United XI
Amid the uncertainty over various positions and the unpredictability over a new-look Manchester United side, we are taking a look anyway at how Ruben Amorim may line-up. We will also have another predicted XI 24 hours before the Ipswich game, when we have a little more information.
At this stage, here is a look at how United could approach the game, with Ruben Amorim’s three at the back tactics.
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana. Pretty straightforward here. Next…
Centre-backs: Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Matthijs de Ligt. Let’s assume Martinez is passed fit to play after his minor back issue. We would also expect the experience of Jonny Evans is utilised over throwing Leny Yoro straight in.
Wing-backs: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui. Amorim could go with one defensive full-back and try a winger on the other side. But we expect him to keep it simple here, with Dalot and Mazraoui, with neither Shaw or Malacia ready yet.
Midfield: Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte. The partnership of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte has shown real promise. Kobbie Mainoo’s return to fitness makes it tempting to slot him in, and it could be possible if Ugarte is not 100 per cent following the World Cup qualifiers.
Attacking midfield: Fernandes, Amad. Bruno Fernandes and Amad will be moved into hybrid attacking-midfield/wide roles, linking the midfield, wing-backs and striker. Both players have been in excellent form and deserve to retain their places.
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