Manchester United are developing an embarrassment of riches in one crucial position for Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim has plenty of headaches as he pieces together his Manchester United squad. The absence of high-quality wing-backs and a striker who can fulfil his requirements and put the ball in the back of the net are towards the top of the list.
However, there are signs that some positions are beginning to show strength in depth. As Amorim said after United's win against FCSB in Bucharest on Thursday, "we need time to work with the players and understand the best positions for them."
Centre-back is one good example. Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are beginning to look like a well-balanced trio, with Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro capable of standing in. Luke Shaw will be added to that list if he can stay fit.
The most significant change has been in attacking midfield, however. Amorim wants two No.10s in his 3-4-2-1 system. After much chopping and changing, he is beginning to find some real strength in that area of the pitch, a vital development given the struggles of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.
In fact, there are so many options to play those two roles that captain Bruno Fernandes is finding himself shuffled back down the pitch more often. His partnership with Manuel Ugarte in the deeper role looks natural, and they bring a nice balance to United's play, with Ugarte bringing aggression, steel, and ball-winning capabilities and Fernandes the high-quality passing and line-breaking ability he has always possessed.
That also allows Amorim more flexibility in his No.10s. Amad has become a regular there and while he is still occasionally used at right wing-back, the desire to have one left-footer behind a striker hints at Amad's long-term future being in that position.
After a slow start under