How Ruben Amorim's strongest Manchester United line-up could look with formation switch

Ruben Amorim has been officially appointed as the manager of Manchester United.

The Manchester Evening News reported on Monday evening that Amorim had agreed a deal in principle with United to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. Ten Hag was sacked on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after Sunday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham United.

United were locked in discussions with Sporting over a compensation package for Amorim and he has now been announced as the new manager at Old Trafford. Amorim will begin work on November 11 and take charge of his first game against Ipswich Town on November 24.

ALSO READ: Live updates as Manchester United appoint Ruben Amorim

ALSO READ: Van Nistelrooy outlines his plans after United appoint Amorim

Amorim has enjoyed plenty of success in Portugal operating with a 3-4-3 system, featuring wing-backs. It is considered to be his favourite system and should not be dismissed as a possibility for United.

A 3-4-3 system offers both defensive solidity and attacking options, with the onus on the wing-backs to drop into a back-five when the opponent has possession and to push high up the field and support the attack when the team in question has the ball.

Currently, that would create a problem for United due to their lack of available left-sided defenders, but in the long-term, once current absentees are recovered, it could be a beneficial system.

Starting in goal, Andre Onana is highly likely to remain the club's first-choice goalkeeper. He has improved since arriving from Inter Milan in July 2023 and has started all but one of United's 14 matches this season.

His shot-stopping ability has improved significantly, and he will still be keen to demonstrate the ball-playing expertise which made him United's top target to replace David de Gea last year.

As far as the defensive line is concerned, a 3-4-3 formation will see Amorim deploy three central defenders across the back. United strengthened their centre-back pool in the summer, swooping for Leny Yoro from Lille and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.

De Ligt has experienced an inconsistent start to his United career, whereas Yoro is yet to start his after fracturing his metatarsal in the opening game of the club's pre-season tour of the United States. United are hoping the Frenchman could be back available at some point in November.

As soon as he recovers and his match sharpness develops, he could become a key member of the club's strongest starting XI. He is considered a future star and United will want to maximise his potential as soon as possible, aided by the support of more experienced figures in Lisandro Martinez and De Ligt.

Yoro would be a good fit for the right-sided centre-back berth and Martinez is tailor-made for the left-sided role because of his passing range. De Ligt is capable of operating between them.

Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia would be battling for the two wing-back roles. Shaw and Malacia are still sidelined with injuries, but Dalot and Mazraoui are available for selection.

Dalot is at his best on the right and has the speed and ability to get up and down the pitch. Mazraoui, though he is not naturally a left-sided player, is capable of operating on the other flank.

The potential introduction of 3-4-3 system under Amorim would create a headache for the 39-year-old in midfield. When everyone is fit and available, United are blessed with strong numbers in the midfield department.

Selecting just two to operate in the engine room will be a very hard task. Amorim will need to strike a balance between defensive and attacking phases of play.

Kobbie Mainoo is one of United's best players and has enormous potential, meaning he should remain an automatic starter. He is a forward-thinking player but is capable of assisting defensively.

Bruno Fernandes is still the club captain and is capable of producing a moment of magic to get United out of jail, even if he has not been at his sparkling best so far this season. Getting a more familiar tune out of him will be a challenge for Amorim should he be lured to Old Trafford.

As far as the attack is concerned, United's front three could be identical to the one Ten Hag picked for his final game in charge at the weekend, meaning Rasmus Hojlund may continue as the club's chief striker, supported by Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford either side of him.

United's strongest XI: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Fernandes, Mazraoui; Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho.