Forgotten Manchester United defender could give Ruben Amorim crucial formation solution

Former defender Wes Brown believes Harry Maguire will be chomping at the bit to impress new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim.

Maguire has missed United's last seven matches after suffering a calf injury in the goalless draw with Aston Villa on October 6. It currently remains to be seen if he will be fit for Sunday's trip to Ipswich Town.

Following the appointment of Amorim at Old Trafford, United are expected to transition to a 3-4-3 formation. The expectation is that Leny Yoro, who could make his United debut within the next week, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez will make up the first-choice rearguard.

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However, when everyone is fit and available for selection, Amorim has up to six senior centre-backs to choose from, with Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Maguire also pushing for minutes. And Brown believes Maguire could be a useful option for Amorim because of his ball-playing credentials.

Brown, speaking to Casino24.dk, said: "It's been a horrible situation for Harry Maguire, but not playing as much is never where a player wants to be at this stage of their career.

"He's been pushed to the side a little bit but this is a great opportunity for him to show Ruben Amorim what he can do. He could play as the ball-playing centre-back and you hope he gets his chance to impress. He's got a lot of stick for no reason but he's done his job when needed. He now needs to impress the new manager."

Maguire's experience and success in a back-three on the international stage with England could be a feather in his cap. He was excellent at the European Championship in 2021, bagging a place in the Team of the Tournament for his performances in a back three.