Five-player showdown is brewing at Man United and it is great news for Ruben Amorim

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Ruben Amorim is about to have a major selection dilemma that Manchester United have not had for years.

Ineos have overhauled Manchester United’s squad in the past two years, with this summer focused on strengthening Ruben Amorim’s attacking options.

Amorim now has elite attacking depth, with Benjamin Sesko, Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo all competing for starting spots up front.

But on the other side of the pitch, Amorim also has big decisions to make when picking his back three.

Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt were excellent against Liverpool, while Bruno Fernandes raved about Leny Yoro’s impact at Anfield. Soon, even more competition is arriving.

Lisandro Martinez will spark five-player contest

Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation has meant that there have been plenty of opportunities for United’s defenders to play regular minutes.

But with Lisandro Martinez returning from injury in the next few weeks, competition is going to be tougher than ever.

De Ligt is playing his best football since joining United, while Maguire’s winner at Anfield has put him back in the frame as a regular starter.

Leny Yoro is already fighting for a spot as the right-sided centre-back, while Luke Shaw has been the preferred choice on the left. That is the spot that Lisandro Martinez will hope to challenge for.

Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Yoro, Shaw and Martinez will face a five-player showdown for starting spots, and that doesn’t even include Noussair Mazraoui who has spent time as a centre-back this season.

How Man United’s defence can line up

Once Martinez is back fit, Amorim will have several ways to set up United’s back line. Opponents will expect the 3-4-2-1 formation, but the personnel can be mixed up.

Martinez is a world-class talent when fit, and he is well-suited to the left-sided centre-back role in Amorim’s system. Shaw’s position could be under threat.

Alternatively, Yoro could start on the right and Shaw could start on the left, leaving De Ligt and Maguire to fight it out for the central role.

READ MORE: Gordon Hill reveals why he is not excited by Lisandro Martinez’s upcoming return for Man Utd

With no European football this season, United’s full focus is on the Premier League with only one game per week.

The increased competition for spots should encourage the squad to impress Amorim in training and earn a spot in the starting lineup.