New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is set to delve into his new job next week, starting November 11.
Ruben Amorim will become Manchester United head coach just weeks away from the mid-season transfer window opening.
But the January transfer window is not the time for any club to overhaul their squad, and Ruben Amorim will have to closely assess what he has, and attempt to get more out of them.
United are in a low league placing, not living up to the quality that is within the squad, and Amorim must try to maximise what he has. We have taken a look at how he may go about it.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 12 |  BrentfordBrentford | 10 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 19 | 20 | -1 | 13 |
| 13 |  Man UtdManchester United | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 12 | -3 | 12 |
| 14 |  West HamWest Ham | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 13 | 19 | -6 | 11 |
Goalkeepers
Ruben Amorim has three goalkeepers to choose from; Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, and Tom Heaton. We do not foresee any major surprises.
Andre Onana will continue as the first choice goalkeeper, his performances deserve it, with no case for change.
The only real dilemma Amorim faces is whether to bring Onana back in for the Carabao Cup quarter-final with Spurs in mid-December, or hand a chance to Altay Bayindir, who played in the two previous rounds.
Defence
Ruben Amorim’s tactics are built around a three-man defence, which means instant changes for Manchester United’s backline.
It is good news for new signing Leny Yoro, who can return from injury into a defence with two centre-backs around him, rather than one, while it will also be less of an issue who he will displace.
United have a lot of centre-backs when all are healthy; Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, and playing with three at the back actually suits them.
We would also expect Luke Shaw to be utilised as part of a back three, when he returns, having done so successfully in the past.
United’s full-backs would become wing-backs. For now, we would expect Diogo Dalot to play on one side, and Noussair Mazraoui the other.
It is possible Amorim could even try to convert Antony to play the role, while if he feels he could be trusted with the defensive side of the game, Alejandro Garnacho.
We would expect United to make a signing at this position in January or next summer, if the current options only serve as temporary fixers.
Midfield
It goes without saying Kobbie Mainoo will play a major role in Ruben Amorim’s set up. The same can also be said of Manuel Ugarte.
Amorim managed Ugarte at Sporting and knows how to best utilise him, and the player is aware what his system entails. It is the appointment he needed.
In the short-term Casemiro and Christian Eriksen will have roles, but unlikely beyond this current season. We would expect Casemiro to be involved more regularly in 2024/25, with Eriksen’s minutes reduced.
We fully expect Bruno Fernandes to play a big part under Amorim. He will have a similar role to Pedro Goncalves at Sporting, where he may flit between playing wide and centrally, conducting the attack.
The wildcard is Mason Mount, who first needs to stay fit. If he can, then he could yet have a new lease of life in Amorim’s system, with additional help of wing-backs around him supporting the midfield.
Forwards
The big winner is expected to be Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United’s big investment in summer 2023. The club hope he will build on his early promise and develop into a top centre-forward.
Amorim has done great work with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting, and won’t be looking to buy him straight away. Hojlund will get a chance to prove himself.
Amorim’s record with strikers has been talked up by one of his former players, and Hojlund is going to be first in line, already expressing excitement at working with the new head coach.
Joshua Zirkzee’s situation is a little more unknown, he is an unorthodox player, who may have to find a role in another position in Amorim’s system.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho must also prove to Amorim they have the work rate to be one of his wide players. It’s possible Rashford is reconsidered for a central role.
Amad could turn out to be a big winner too. His ability to cut inside and influence play could be reminiscent of the role Trincao played in Sporting’s role against City.
Youth
Ruben Amorim has a proven track record of bringing through young talent, and there are a number of candidates in Manchester United’s impressive academy who could play a role.
The obvious one is Harry Amass at left wing-back. Bendito Mantato is another contender for the position, a little later down the line.
Dan Gore could appeal for a central midfield role, while Amorim will not immediately discard Toby Collyer from the equation either. If he makes good progress, Sekou Kone could get into the mix.
The real one to watch is exciting academy striker Chido Obi-Martin, signed in the summer with a view to being fast-tracked to the first team.
Ethan Wheatley and Gabriele Biancheri are in the mix too, yet it is Obi-Martin who has the highest ceiling under Amorim.
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