Four Manchester United stars are in Rúben Amorim’s first XI, but three are in trouble

Four Manchester United stars have already earned their places in Rúben Amorim’s first XI, but the futures of three more are in doubt.

Rúben Amorim will commence his work as Manchester United‘s new head coach this week following his arrival at Carrington on Monday morning. He joins the club after they released Erik ten Hag from his role late last month.

The 39-year-old has already started making significant decisions, as Ruud van Nistelrooy and three other coaching staff members were relieved from their duties as soon as he touched down in Manchester.

Read More: Manchester United ‘make contact’ to sign Bundesliga star on free contract in 2025, he fits into Ruben Amorim’s plans

However, the new boss will assess his new squad over the next two weeks and decide who he wants to select in his first XI. Amorim’s first game for the club will be against Ipswich Town (A) in the Premier League.

He has already hinted that he is likely to install his 3-4-2-1 formation at the club from the first minute, which has led to speculation surrounding who will be able to fit into the side.

Four players are safe

Four players within the squad can count themselves as safe to start once Amorim decides who will start against Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich.

The first is, of course, Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese star has picked up his form in recent weeks following a poor start to the season, and as club captain, his position within the side is safe.

The second is the club’s new signing, Matthijs de Ligt. After his rocky start to life in the opening few weeks, De Ligt has become an essential centre-back player within the team. With Amorim’s back three likely coming into play soon, De Ligt is ideally suited to the central role.

Casemiro is a third who can assume he will start against Ipswich. The Brazilian has been fantastic in the last six weeks as he continues to grow into his midfield role, both offensively and defensively.

After many thought he would be sold in the summer, Casemiro has become a critical cog behind Fernandes in midfield. With multiple spaces available in the central part of Amorim’s system, he is sure to be one of the first names on the team sheet.

Finally, the fourth player who can feel assured he will continue in the side is André Onana. Following a difficult first season, Onana has risen to the occasion at the club, becoming the side’s most consistent performer across the 2024/25 campaign.

With Amorim’s approach likely to suit the goalkeeper’s unique style, Onana will almost certainly continue his place in goal.

Three players in danger

However, there are three players in the squad who are in danger of falling behind under Amorim and should be wary of their futures at the club.

The first is Luke Shaw. The Egnlish left-back has not played for United since March 2024 after suffering a series of injuries and setbacks at the club level.

Rúben Amorim’s system often requires flying wing-backs, which may suit returning defender Tyrell Malacia more. Beyond this, Noussair Mazraoui has shown his proficiency in the role, and even Alejandro Garnacho has been tipped to potentially perform in the position.

Harry Maguire is another man who will have to fight for his place. The 31-year-old has many first-team centre-backs ahead of him in the pecking order, and his contract is up at the end of this season, although the club retain the right to extend this by a further year should they wish.

Maguire has been out injured for the last month, and once he returns, he will be met with a six-man, fully fit squadron of centre-backs for just three positions.

Finally, Joshua Zirkzee is the third person who must convince Amorim that he can play in the new system. The Netherlands international has failed to make a significant impression since he signed for the club in July 2024, and his strike partner Rasmus Højlund has been touted as a player Amorim may prefer.

Although Zirkzee has his qualities (this is not in doubt), he may have to put in extra work to prove to the new head coach that he can have a significant role and say in the months ahead.

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