Amorim's first hurray and many questions to answer

Preview Ruben Amorim's potential first XI for Manchester United vs. Ipswich: tactical shifts, key players, and expectations for his debut as manager.

Ruben Amorim will kick start his Manchester United career on Sunday against Ipswich, what will his first eleven look like? (Photo credit: BBC)

If you’re a fan of football, regardless of where you stand, you must be wondering what Ruben Amorim’s first eleven would look like when Manchester United takes on Ipswich Town at the weekend.

After Erik Ten Hag's dismissal, Manchester United named Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim as their new head coach. With high expectations for the former Sporting Lisbon player, how will he fare?

With Ruud Van Nistelrooy gone, United fans would like to see the recent form continue, which could put some pressure on the new manager: three wins and a draw under the interim Dutchman, with some fans questioning why Van Nistelrooy didn't receive more time on the job.

Amorim is known to prefer a three-man backline; in the context of Manchester United, how will this work with slower center backs? Let’s unpack each position with respect to what we expect of their incoming manager.

On goal, that’s where we probably have the easiest task.  Andre Onana has been major banter material on social media, but his numbers suggest otherwise. He kept the second-most clean sheet last season behind Arsenal’s David Raya and was instrumental to United’s cup success; he should retain the gloves.

If we anticipate a three-man defensive formation, Mathjis De Ligt will likely be at the center, with Lisandro Martinez or Luke Shaw (when fit) occupying the left side. The question then arises: who will take the right side, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Johnny Evans, or the yet-to-be-seen Leny Yoro?

Noussir Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are both going to be the wingbacks to start with; Antony and Alejandro Garnacho could have a say in that later, but one would expect the manager to keep things simple early on.

Manuel Ugarte is settling into life at Old Trafford finally, and United fans must be excited. Casemiro is rolling back the years even in the absence of Kobbie Mainoo, and suddenly, the midfield is no longer the problem at Old Trafford.

There are enough wingers to pick from; Amad is a revelation, and Marcus Rashford has his days. Now that Joshua Zirkzee has proven to be a wrong choice upfront, can he play on the flanks? Amorim will have work to do in that regard.

Bruno Fernandes is finally on the rise with his strong performances in his last two games; playing as the creative force behind Rasmus Hojlund could excite fans. We all look forward to seeing what Amorim tries to do on day one.