After previous links with Liverpool and West Ham United, Ruben Amorim appears set to finally make his long-anticipated move to the Premier League as Manchester United finalize plans to appoint the highly-rated Portuguese coach.
United have identified the Sporting CP boss as the ideal successor to the recently dismissed Erik ten Hag. The 39-year-old has earned widespread admiration across Europe for his successes in Lisbon, where he clinched multiple Primeira Liga titles.
Amorim brings innovative tactics, a new-look formation, and his own unique philosophy to Old Trafford. However, he’s stepping into one of the most demanding roles in world football, with little room for error.
Fortunately, he’ll inherit a highly talented squad, but his first challenge will be building player confidence and instilling his principles. He’s likely already crafting his preferred starting XI at United. Here’s how *90min* envisions Amorim’s United lineup.
GK: Andre Onana
Andre Onana has improved upon his performances from last season, showing more consistency in 2024/25. Though last season was rocky, his ability to play out from the back is well-suited to Amorim’s possession-focused style, and his distribution skills—once a strength at Inter—should improve further under the new system.
CB: Leny Yoro
New summer signing Leny Yoro has yet to debut for United due to injury, but the 18-year-old is expected to impress once he returns. Amorim’s back three relies on defenders who are comfortable on the ball and can break lines with their passing—a style well-suited to Yoro’s abilities.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt
Despite his up-and-down tenure so far, Matthijs de Ligt has undeniable talent. Likely positioned centrally in Amorim’s back three, de Ligt could benefit from the added protection and stability this role provides.
CB: Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez is expected to flourish in a back three. His aggressive play style and technical ability make him ideal for the left-sided role, where he can help United play out from the back and press high up the pitch without his height being a concern.
RM: Diogo Dalot
Amorim’s system emphasizes wing play, requiring wing-backs with attacking abilities. While Dalot may not be the Premier League’s most offensively skilled full-back, he’s comfortable moving forward and has a solid understanding with his Portuguese compatriot.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has shown promise as one of United’s brightest young midfielders, and Amorim—who has a track record of developing top midfield talents—will look to harness Mainoo’s potential. Mainoo could be pivotal in executing Amorim’s vision.
CM: Manuel Ugarte
Ugarte, who previously thrived under Amorim at Sporting, could find renewed form at United. Despite a challenging start in Manchester, he’s likely to excel in a familiar and structured setup with Amorim at the helm.
LM: Luke Shaw
Like Dalot, Luke Shaw will be expected to offer width and energy up and down the left flank. Shaw has the fitness and physicality needed for the role, though his durability remains a question.
RW: Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes will have to adjust his role under Amorim, who doesn’t favor a traditional No. 10. Fernandes may find himself out on the right or in a deeper midfield position, similar to Pedro Goncalves’ role at Sporting, where he can bring his creativity to wide areas or support the central midfield.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund
If Amorim can work his magic with Hojlund as he did with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting, United could be in for an attacking transformation. Hojlund shares Gyokeres’ physicality and ability to hold the ball up, and Amorim’s experience developing strikers should benefit the young Danish forward.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho
While Marcus Rashford could provide experience, Alejandro Garnacho’s form and youthful energy may see him preferred as Amorim’s go-to left-winger. Garnacho’s speed, agility, and creativity on the ball are a natural fit for an attack-minded manager like Amorim.
With his tactical acumen and fresh ideas, Amorim has a solid foundation to build on. The coming months will test his adaptability, but United fans can expect an exciting transformation on the pitch.
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