Ruben Amorim’s strongest Man United lineup has three major question marks in 3-4-3 shape

Ruben Amorim’s strongest Manchester United line-up in his 3-4-3 shape has three major question marks.

Manchester United confirmed Ruben Amorim as the successor to Erik ten Hag last week following the Dutch manager’s dismissal.

The Portuguese coach will remain at Sporting Lisbon for their final two matches before the international break and is set to arrive in Manchester to begin his new role on 11 November.

There is considerable excitement among the fanbase about the appointment due to the 39-year-old’s notable successes at Sporting.

Amorim has become well-known for his 3-4-3 formation which has led the Leões to two Portuguese titles under his leadership.

It is almost certain that he uses the same shape at Old Trafford and the manager will quickly be trying to find out his strongest team.

Some of the positions seem like they would pick themselves. André Onana playing in goal with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez would be the best backline with everyone fit.

Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo would be an important player in the midfield while you could choose between Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot at right wingback without sacrificing much quality either way.

Rasmus Højlund also looks like he will suit the way Amorim wants his no.9 to operate and so would be the obvious choice up front, and Bruno Fernandes would be expected to start in the two attacking positions behind him.

However, there are three positions that remain unknown and they are likely the ones which Amorim will need to figure out who suits them best as quickly as possible.

In the central midfield position next to Mainoo, you could choose between Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to play there. Ugarte has worked previously with the head coach but that does not necessarily mean he will be favoured.

They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, with Casemiro and Eriksen both showing fine form so far this term.

Then you look at the left wingback, which is likely to initially have either Mazraoui or Dalot but you would hope to have a more natural option in the strongest team.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia would both be options if they can stay fit but that is not a guarantee for Amorim, while he could also test out someone like Alejandro Garnacho in the position for a more attacking option.

It will likely be the position with the most tinkering before Amorim is confident in his best option and may even be a role United looks to improve in the transfer window.

Finally, while Fernandes is likely to start in one of those attacking midfield positions behind the striker, there is a spot for one more player.

Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, Antony and Garnacho would all be wanting to play in this role, while someone like Mason Mount may also be suited to it.

Unless someone like Rashford manages to rediscover his incredible 2022/23 goalscoring form, this is likely going to be another position where Amorim trials different personnel to figure out who is best suited for the position.

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