New head coach Ruben Amorim will take charge of his first Manchester United game against newly promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday evening.
The Portuguese tactician’s arrival from Sporting CP has built up plenty of excitement within the Old Trafford faithful. He has taken over a side that are currently 13th in the Premier League table, but the Red Devils are only seven points off fourth-placed Arsenal heading into the weekend’s action.
The 20-time English champions recorded a 3-0 victory over Leicester City in the league before the November international break, and they were unbeaten in their four games under the interim leadership of Ruud van Nistelrooy. So, Amorim will look to continue the momentum but faces a motivated Ipswich side following their victory over Tottenham Hotspur before the international break.
Manchester United Team News
The new Manchester United head coach has been handed multiple boosts on the injury front. The likes of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo have been in training of late after recent injury problems, although it remains to be seen if any are fit enough to feature here.
🆚 Ipswich Town.
🏟️ Portman Road.
⏰ 16:30 GMT.🫡 We will be there.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/0eHCSDYmhE
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 21, 2024
Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof will require assessment after suffering knocks over the international break, while Harry Maguire and Toby Collyer are expected to miss out.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Ipswich Town (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper
Ruben Amorim is widely expected to continue with the 3-4-3 system upon which he has built his success in Portuguese football. While a change in formation is very much likely, Andre Onana’s position in goal doesn’t appear to be any threat as he has arguably been Manchester United’s best player this season. He will start against Ipswich Town.
Defence
In the 3-4-3 system, Amorim could hand Len Yoro his Manchester United debut on Sunday. The talented Frenchman may partner experienced duo Matthijs de Ligt and Jonny Evans in a back three for the visitors.
The trio have to communicate well and keep the shape intact if Manchester United are to keep the Ipswich attackers at bay.
Midfield
Manuel Ugarte stands a good chance of starting in midfield, having worked with Amorim while at Sporting earlier in his career. He could partner Casemiro in the double pivot, with Kobbie Mainoo hoping to make a mark off the bench after recovering from injury.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are close to returning to full fitness, but Amorim should go with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui as the wing-backs. The duo will have the license to bomb forward and stretch the opposition defence, but must perform their defensive duties too.
Attack
Amad Diallo is in good form and could be a problem for the hosts as an inside forward from the right flank. Being the skipper, Bruno Fernandes is a certainty to start in this fixture. His creativity and vision can unlock the Ipswich defence.
Amorim could go with Rasmus Hojlund up top, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee keen to make an impact off the bench.
