Paul Scholes names Manchester United star who’s set for surprise new role under Rúben Amorim

Paul Scholes has named the Manchester United star he feels is set for a surprise new role once Rúben Amorim arrives as the new head coach.

With Rúben Amorim set to take the reins at Manchester United following Erik ten Hag‘s departure, there’s plenty to dissect.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s vision for the club is starting to unfold nearly a year after his takeover, with many expecting Amorim to revamp the squad that Ten Hag has assembled over the past two and a half seasons.

Read More: Ruud van Nistelrooy provides major hint at Ruben Amorim tactical decision after Man Utd 2-0 PAOK

Over the coming months, Amorim is expected to conduct a thorough assessment of the squad, identifying which players align with his approach and which do not.

While speculation intensifies about which players the 39-year-old will retain, offload, or target in the next transfer windows, much of the focus is on who among United’s current ranks can adapt to Amorim’s renowned 3-4-2-1 system.

Scholes’ surprise prediction

Speaking before United’s 2-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League, former United midfielder Paul Scholes was asked how he feels Amorim will be able to use the current set of players to fit into his system at the club.

After discussing the defence, Scholes moved on to who could play in midfield, focusing on the two No. 10 spots in Amorim’s system. The 11-time Premier League champion explained that although Bruno Fernandes is the obvious choice, Kobbie Mainoo could have a role to play.

“He’s then got his two number 10s, which is something you don’t see here [in England],” he explained on TNT Sports. “And I think he’s got the players right.

“I think Fernandes is definitely one of them. I actually think Mainoo could be one of them as well. I think he’d be a better player, playing higher up. He’s one of them 10s with a bit of security in behind. I think it’ll suit him more, but there’s loads of questions to ask.”

This benefits Højlund

Further, Scholes explained that he thinks that if United can create chances, presumably with Fernandes and Mainoo as the two creative No. 10s, Danish striker Rasmus Højlund can score plenty of goals.

“Højlund, as we said, has a centre-forward look. He’s looked different the last two or three weeks. He’s looked stronger. He’s looked quicker. I think if they can create chances for him, he will score goals.”

United have been missing goals so far this campaign, and if Amorim can get his front line ticking and Højlund firing, this will set United up for a fantastic rest of the 2024/25 season.

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