How Ruben Amorim's strongest Manchester United line-up could look with formation switch

Manchester United are working on a deal to install Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim as their next manager.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News on Monday evening, Amorim has agreed a deal in principle with United to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. Ten Hag was sacked on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after Sunday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham United.

United are understood to be locked in discussions with Sporting over a compensation package for Amorim. If successfully installed as United's sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement 11 years ago, supporters should prepare themselves for the possibility of a formation change.

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Amorim has enjoyed plenty of success in Portugal operating with a 3-4-3 system, featuring wing-backs. It is considered to be his favourite system and should not be dismissed as a possibility for United.

A 3-4-3 system offers both defensive solidity and attacking options, with the onus on the wing-backs to drop into a back-five when the opponent has possession and to push high up the field and support the attack when the team in question has the ball.

Currently, that would create a problem for United due to their lack of available left-sided defenders, but in the long-term, once current absentees are recovered, it could be a beneficial system.

Starting in goal, Andre Onana is highly likely to remain the club's first-choice goalkeeper. He has improved since arriving from Inter Milan in July 2023 and has started all but one of United's 14 matches this season.

His shot-stopping ability, highlighted by his