Manchester United are in the midst of a huge summer under Ruben Amorim.
After joining in November, Amorim led United to a 15th-place Premier League finish – their worst ever.
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However, he’s being given the benefit of the doubt.
He inherited a poor United side, lacking both the quality and the mentality or physicality to compete in the Premier League.
Trying to impose his style of football proved more difficult than expected, making this summer crucial to United’s progress.
Change is needed both on the training ground and in the transfer market.
United have already confirmed the signing of Matheus Cunha.
But just as important is the work being done on the training pitch, as Amorim looks to engrain his system into the squad during pre-season.
Preparations have begun at Carrington, with the first friendly set for Saturday, 19th July against Leeds.
Mbeumo won’t be signed in time, but who else could start against Leeds in the first of a crucial pre-season schedule under Ruben Amorim?
Goalkeeper
Unfortunately for United, Andre Onana has picked up a hamstring injury that will rule him out until at least the start of the Premier League season.
While the club has been strongly linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, no goalkeeper has been signed yet.
That means someone else will get the chance to step in against Leeds – and the most likely option is Radek Vitek.
The young Czech goalkeeper has just returned from a loan spell at BW Linz, where he impressed.
Radek Vitek
Defence
Manchester United have close to full fitness across their backline, with the exception of Lisandro Martinez, who remains sidelined with a knee injury for the foreseeable future.
With Bryan Mbeumo looking likely to arrive, Amad Diallo is expected to be shifted into the right wing-back role.
Amorim is likely to use the entire pre-season to familiarise Amad with the position, meaning he should start against Leeds.
On the opposite flank, Patrick Dorgu is nailed on to start at left wing-back.
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However, new signing Diego Leon is also expected to get minutes at some stage in the game.
As for the back three, it’s difficult to predict.
Amorim has several options and could rotate depending on the tactical structure he’s aiming to implement.
That said, with big seasons ahead for Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, both are expected to start – likely flanking either Matthijs de Ligt or Harry Maguire in the centre.
Patrick Dorgu – Ayden Heaven – Matthijs De Ligt – Leny Yoro – Amad Diallo
Midfield
With Manchester United yet to sign a new midfielder this summer, one of the midfield positions effectively picks itself.
United need a defensive-minded player in the double pivot – meaning either Manuel Ugarte or Casemiro is expected to start.
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Although new midfield options are being explored in the transfer market, for now, Amorim will have to rely on one of those two to anchor the midfield.
The second central midfield spot is more open, with Kobbie Mainoo and captain Bruno Fernandes both in contention.
However, with Matheus Cunha already signed and Bryan Mbeumo looking likely to join, Fernandes is expected to play most of his minutes in midfield rather than further forward.
As a result, Fernandes is likely to start in the midfield two on Saturday.
Manuel Ugarte – Bruno Fernandes
Attack
Matheus Cunha has been signed to play in the L10 role, especially with Alejandro Garnacho looking likely to leave the club.
Having been involved in pre-season from day one, Cunha is almost certain to start against Leeds – giving fans their first real look at the new signing.
On the right side of the attack, Bryan Mbeumo is expected to take up that role once signed.
But with the deal not yet complete, Amorim will need a temporary solution for Saturday.
While Amad could be pushed further forward with Diogo Dalot playing at wing-back, Amorim may want Amad to spend the entire pre-season learning the wing-back role.
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That opens the door for someone else – and Kobbie Mainoo could be the answer.
Mainoo has a big season ahead of him and needs to find his role in the side, whether that’s in the midfield two or as one of the 10’s.
A start in the R10 position against Leeds would give Amorim a chance to test him higher up the pitch.
Up front, United are still exploring striker options in the transfer market.
But with no concrete signing made yet, Rasmus Hojlund is expected to lead the line on Saturday.
Matheus Cunha – Rasmus Hojlund – Kobbie Mainoo
Predicted XI
Radek Vitek – Amad Diallo – Leny Yoro – Matthijs De Ligt – Ayden Heaven – Patrick Dorgu – Manuel Ugarte – Bruno Fernandes – Kobbie Mainoo – Matheus Cunha – Rasmus Hojlund
