BREAKING NEWS: Manchester United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, has reportedly identified a player whose attitude he believes played a significant role in Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. Amorim has issued a strong warning to the £60 million player, stating that this type of behavior would be unacceptable under his management. He advised the player to seek a transfer in January or face the risk of contract termination.

Manchester United are reportedly working towards appointing Ruben Amorim, the current Sporting Lisbon manager, as their next head coach. According to the Manchester Evening News, Amorim has reached a preliminary agreement with United to step in as Erik ten Hag’s replacement following the Dutch manager’s dismissal. Ten Hag was relieved of his duties on Monday morning, less than a day after United’s 2-1 loss to West Ham United.

Ongoing discussions between Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon revolve around a compensation package for Amorim. Should the move be finalized, Amorim would become United’s sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement over a decade ago. His arrival could introduce a fresh tactical approach to United’s gameplay, potentially shifting the team’s formation.

Amorim has achieved significant success in Portugal by employing a 3-4-3 formation with an emphasis on wing-backs. This formation, which Amorim favors, may be well-suited to Manchester United’s future direction. The 3-4-3 system offers both defensive robustness and an adaptable attacking framework, relying on wing-backs to drop back into a five-man defense when out of possession, and pushing forward to support attacks when in control of the ball.

One immediate challenge Amorim might face is United’s current shortage of left-sided defenders. However, this formation could become an effective strategy in the long term as key injured players make their way back. In goal, Andre Onana is expected to maintain his position as United’s first-choice goalkeeper. Since joining from Inter Milan in July 2023, Onana has shown noticeable improvements in his shot-stopping ability, notably demonstrated in a recent match against Fenerbahce. His proficiency with ball distribution is one of the reasons United prioritized him to replace David de Gea.

The defensive line in Amorim’s system would likely consist of three central defenders. United bolstered their defense over the summer by acquiring Leny Yoro from Lille and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. While de Ligt’s start at United has been inconsistent, Yoro has yet to debut due to a fractured metatarsal sustained in preseason. However, United anticipates his return in November, after which he could play an instrumental role in the squad. Yoro, seen as a promising talent, would be expected to grow under the mentorship of seasoned defenders such as Lisandro Martinez and de Ligt.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes remains a key figure, capable of creating game-changing moments, though he has struggled to find his best form this season. Motivating Fernandes to reach his full potential will be a crucial task for Amorim if he takes on the managerial role.

United’s front three may not see immediate changes under Amorim, with Rasmus Hojlund likely to remain the primary striker, flanked by Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford. This attacking trio was Ten Hag’s final lineup, and their dynamic presence will continue to be central to United’s offensive strategy.

In a potential starting lineup under Amorim, United could line up as follows: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Fernandes, Mazraoui; Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho.