Evening Standard
·24 November 2024
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·24 November 2024
United begin life under new coach at Portman Road
All eyes will be on Ruben Amorim’s first team selection as Manchester United manager.
Amorim is expected to implement a version of his favoured 3-4-3 formation against Ipswich at Portman Road and his XI will offer a glimpse into how the new era at United will look.
United have been boosted after Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia all returned to training, but it remains to be seen if they are fit to start.
Amorim could hand a debut to £52million summer signing Yoro, who is fit again after fracturing his metatarsal in pre-season following his switch from Lille.
Lisandro Martinez withdrew from international duty with Argentina because of back pain, with United have also had fitness concerns over Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
New era: Ruben Amorim will take charge of Manchester United for the first time on Sunday
Manchester United via Getty Images
Amorim said on Friday “we have some guys returning from injury”.
The new United manager said long-term absentee Luke Shaw “is feeling fine” but stressed the left-back will need to carefully build up match fitness.
Amorim has a decision to make over the make up over his midfield, with Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro his options.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui seem likely to start as the two wing-backs.
Bruno Fernandes is set to line up alongside either Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho either side of Rasmus Hojlund in attack.
“We have some guys returning from injury, so we had some moments together, working in that indoor pitch [on] tactical work,” said Amorim ahead of his first game in charge.
“We have to manage the load during this week with some players from national teams [as well], but we are ready to face Ipswich.”
On Shaw, Amorim said: “Luke is feeling fine, but we have to build his fitness during games, so we have to be careful.
“I think he’s a very good player, so I will take care of him and I want these kinds of players that are important in our squad for a long period and not just for a game.”
Predicted Manchester United XI (3-4-3): Onana; De Ligt, Evans, Martínez; Dalot, Ugarte, Eriksen, Mazraoui; Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho
Injured: Maguire
Doubts: Yoro, Shaw, Lindelof, Martinez
Time and date: 4.30pm GMT on Sunday November 24, 2024
Venue: Portman Road, Ipswich
TV channel and live stream: Sky Sports
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