One place in Ruben Amorim's first Manchester United line-up was claimed vs Leicester

Deciding who starts in midfield could be one of Ruben Amorim's biggest challenges ahead of his first game in charge of Manchester United in just under a fortnight's time.

After arriving in England on Monday afternoon, the new United head coach, once he obtains his work permit, will set to work, planning for his game at the helm against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on November 24.

Expected to immediately install his trademark 3-4-3 formation, an element of intrigue is already surrounding the 39-year-old's first United starting XI.

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If he elects to deploy his preferred 3-4-3 system as expected, all eyes are likely to be on who starts in midfield, with just two central positions set to be up for grabs.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was put in caretaker charge following the exit of Erik ten Hag at the end of last month, oversaw four matches and deployed Manuel Ugarte alongside Casemiro at the base of the midfield for each of them.

Prior to Ten Hag's exit on October 28, Ugarte - a summer recruit from Paris Saint-Germain - had struggled for opportunities, making just seven appearances, securing four starts. It goes without saying that he has benefited from the club's decision to make a change.

Now poised to be reunited with Amorim, with whom he worked with at Sporting Lisbon, Ugarte is set to benefit even more. He will expect to become a key figure within Amorim's blueprint to take United forward, although the latter has warned him he will have to fight for his place.

Amorim said: "I was very happy to know I would find him back at Manchester United, but he knows better than anyone that for me all players are equal, so I was very happy, but he is still going to have to work hard."

On the eve of Amorim's arrival at Old Trafford, Ugarte produced one of his best performances in United colours thus far, playing a key role in Sunday's 3-0 win over Leicester City. Although United went into the game as heavy favourites to beat the Foxes for the second time in just over a week, it was the last opportunity for each and every player involved to audition for a place in Amorim's maiden starting XI.

Ugarte, despite being no stranger to the new United boss, ensured he produced a performance the Portuguese chief would have been pleased with, producing eight tackles and three interceptions, as well as ending the game with a 92 per cent passing accuracy. No United player has made more tackles in a Premier League fixture since data collecting began.

It cannot be ignored that United were up against a team that is expected to be flirting with relegation this season, but any player is only capable of playing what's in front of them. Ugarte did the job that is expected of him, breaking up play and winning the ball back.

Amorim, based on Sunday's showing, is likely to have viewed Ugarte's performance with a smile on his face. The new United boss will be determined to find the right balance in midfield and someone of Ugarte's defensive mould could be key to implementing his vision.

All eyes could now be on who starts alongside him against Ipswich.