Manchester United’s game at Ipswich on November 24 will be the start of a new era at Old Trafford as it is Ruben Amorim’s first game as United manager.
If that wasn’t enough to get the pulses racing, there are a number of narratives beneath the surface that make this game a must-watch after the international break.
The manager in the opposition dugout, Kieran McKenna, could have been in Ruben Amorim’s place for this one had things fallen that way in the summer.
In addition, Amorim might not be the only one who makes his debut at Man Utd this season in that game because there are three players who can get their season debut on November 24.
Here are the three players set for their first appearance of the season in what is increasingly looking like a monumental game-
Leny Yoro
Leny Yoro returned to full team training recently as he stepped his recovery from an injury that has sidelined him since the pre-season.
Erik ten Hag’s marquee signing of the summer couldn’t play under the manager who signed him but so perfect is the timing of Amorim’s arrival that it coincides with the prodigy being available.
Yoro has targeted full fitness by the time United travel to Arsenal and for that to happen, he needs to start playing games in the lead-up to the December 4 fixture.
That should begin with his Man Utd debut vs Ipswich off the bench. His importance only increases if Amorim brings his three-at-the-back system, as expected.
There’s no better time to make his debut because, in many ways, he represents the new era at United off the pitch as well, being Ineos’ poster boy for their new recruitment policy.
Tyrell Malacia
Like Yoro, Tyrell Malacia has also stepped up his recovery from an injury that saw him last play for United all the way back in May, 2023.
Malacia appeared for the Man Utd U21s recently to gain some minutes in his legs and even though the team lost to Huddersfield, the bigger picture was that he played 50 minutes without complications.
The U21s play Altrincham on November 19 and if he plays another 45 in that game, it could put him in a good position to come off the bench for a cameo and his season debut on November 24 for the senior team.
Erik ten Hag kept crying out for a left-back and just as he’s gone and the new manager has arrived, there’s not one, but two seemingly available.
Speaking of which…
Luke Shaw
Shaw’s case isn’t as desperate as Malacia’s but that’s hardly the gold standard for mapping out injury returns.
Luke Shaw’s last game for United was in February against Luton where he came off at half-time. That saw him miss the rest of the season before he went to play for England at the Euros.
He was injured again in pre-season with United and he’s yet to play any minutes, competitive or friendly, for the club this season.
The club has been extremely cautious with Shaw’s return and the timeline has shifted multiple times but this two-week international break should be the window after which he steps up.
Like Malacia, an appearance off the bench cannot be ruled out and if anything, it should be expected at this point.
In an ideal world, Shaw is perfect for the left-wingback role and if Malacia is also fit, that will allow Amorim to finally have a rotation option for a position where there wasn’t even a starter just a week ago.
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