Gary Neville names two “absolute certs” to start under Rúben Amorim alongside ‘wildcard’ option

Gary Neville has named the two Manchester United stars he feels are “absolute certs” to start under Rúben Amorim, as well as a wildcard option.

Rúben Amorim recently took charge of his first game as Manchester United head coach, seeing out a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town.

While the result and performance did not blow anyone away, the blueprint for what Amorim wants to install at the club became clear, especially for Marcus Rashford‘s opening goal.

Read More: Manchester United revisiting a Ralf Rangnick option as Rúben Amorim eyes Premier League star

United played in Amorim’s famed 3-4-3 formation, but due to injuries and players returning from international duty, multiple stars played out of their regular positions, which Amorim explained was a short-term fix.

Noussair Mazraoui started as a centre-back while Amad Diallo played as a wing-back, with Rashford as the No. 9 and Alejandro Garnacho as a left-attacking midfielder.

Neville’s absolute certs

The game has sparked significant interest in who will be part of Amorim’s formation in the long term, as the 39-year-old has already stated he will not waver from the system he wants to implement.

former United captain and club legend Gary Neville has spoken about players he feels will be in the system. Naming Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte as “absolute certs,” he also named Luke Shaw as a wildcard option at centre-back alongside Leny Yoro.

“I think Luke Shaw, if he can remain fit,” he said on Sky Sports. “As I think that left centre-back needs to eventually be able to play out as a left-back, so he is well suited to do both. 

“I think Ugarte will be a winner, just because I think in midfield, not just because he’s played for him before.

“I think Mainoo and Ugarte for me, playing midfield, I think they’re absolute certs. I think Luke Shaw’s a certainty to play. I think he would be any way in a back four or a back three.

“I think ultimately you’ll end up with Yoro as the right-centre-back, I think just because of that energy and that pace.  So, I think the ones who are more flexible and agile are going to be the winners.”

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