Ipswich v Man United: Predicted line-up for Amorim’s first match

Ruben Amorim will take charge of his first game as Manchester United head coach on Sunday when his side visit Ipswich Town. 

The Portuguese took charge of United last week, having departed Sporting CP after a successful stint with the Lisbon side.

Amorim will hope to guide United – who currently sit 12th – up the table and into contention to qualify for European competition next term.

Here, we predict the XI that the 39-year-old could select for the trip to Portman Road.

Goalkeeper

Andre Onana endured a shaky start to life at Old Trafford but has improved in recent months and has started the new season in good form. The Cameroonian has kept five clean sheets in 11 league games so far this term, conceding 12 times.

Defenders

Amorim is expected to revert to his preferred 3-4-3 formation, meaning he is likely to select three central defenders.

Matthijs De Ligt is almost certain to be one of those that start, having established himself as a regular starter since joining United over the summer.

He could be joined by 36-year-old Jonny Evans, who remains a useful member of the United squad despite his age. Evans’ experience could be useful in attempting to keep the likes of Liam Delap and Sammie Szmodics at bay.

Lisandro Martinez is likely to complete Amorim’s back three, with Harry Maguire, Leno Yoro and Victor Lindelof all likely to miss the game through injury.

Evans could start at the heart of United’s defence on Sunday

Midfielders

If he does opt for a 3-4-3 formation, Amorim could deploy Diogo Dalot in a more advanced wing-back role on the right flank. The Portuguese had been useful for previous manager Erik ten Hag, playing in a number of roles across the backline.

In the centre of midfield, Casemiro could be deployed alongside Manuel Ugarte. The former has enjoyed a recent revival of his United career after a disappointing season last term, while Ugarte worked under Amorim during his time at Sporting.

On the left, Noussair Mazraoui is likely to be utilised as a left wing-back.

Casemiro’s form has improved in recent weeks

Forwards

Amorim’s likely change of formation prompts questions about Bruno Fernandes’ place in the team, but the United captain is very unlikely to be dropped and could instead be moved out to the right flank.

Through the middle, Rasmus Hojlund is likely to be selected ahead of Joshua Zirkzee, who has failed to score in any of his last 16 matches across all competitions.

Marcus Rashford could keep his place on the left flank, despite scoring just once in 11 Premier League games so far this term.

Alejandro Garnacho may have to settle for a place on the bench.

It is unclear where Fernandes will fit into Amorim’s side

Predicted XI: Onana; De Ligt, Evans, Martinez; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Mazraoui; Fernandes, Hojlund, Rashford