90min
·27 novembre 2024
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·27 novembre 2024
Ruben Amorim is searching for a first victory as Manchester United manager on Thursday as Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt visit Old Trafford in the Europa League.
The Red Devils couldn't secure a debut triumph for the Portuguese coach on Sunday following the unconvincing 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, but a first taste of the Old Trafford crowd could bring about a welcome win for the newly-appointed United boss midweek.
Amorim unleashed his preferred three-at-the-back formation at Portman Road and will persist with the system that brought him immense success with Sporting CP. How many changes the 39-year-old makes against Bodo/Glimt remains to be seen as he gets to grips with his talented but underperforming squad.
Here is how Man Utd could line up in a first ever meeting with Bodo/Glimt.
Rasmus Hojlund could start up front / Richard Pelham/GettyImages
GK: Andre Onana - The previously maligned goalkeeper has risen to the occasion this season and produced some fine close-range saves to prevent a debut defeat for Amorim at the weekend. He is one of the few whose place in the team isn't under threat at the beginning of a new era.
CB: Noussair Mazraoui - Mazraoui didn't entirely convince as the right-sided central defender against Ipswich but fitness issues at centre-back may force the Moroccan to feature there against Bodo/Glimt once again.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt - There's something about De Ligt that makes those in the stands a tad nervous. The summer signing has endured a difficult start to life at Old Trafford and he often lacks the composure required to marshal the United backline.
CB: Lisandro Martinez - Amorim has confirmed that Martinez is available for selection midweek, with Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof all likely to miss out through injury. The World Cup winner should be well-suited to the left side of a back three.
RM: Amad Diallo - An energetic dart down the right wing and cross for Marcus Rashford forged United's early opener at Portman Road but Diallo struggled in the subsequent 88 minutes in his new-look role.
CM: Casemiro - Casemiro will have been desperate to make a positive impression on Amorim but failed to do so in Suffolk. Kobbie Mainoo could come in for the Brazilian midweek if Amorim rings the changes.
CM: Manuel Ugarte - One player Amorim should be able to rely upon is Ugarte, who made 85 appearances under the young coach at Sporting. He could enter the starting XI against Bodo/Glimt after featuring as a substitute at the weekend.
LM: Diogo Dalot - The return of Luke Shaw at the weekend will serve as a huge boost to Amorim, with Tyrell Malacia also featuring on the bench. However, for Thursday, Dalot may have to stick it out on the left flank.
RF: Bruno Fernandes - Fernandes didn't look comfortable as a right-sided forward, with the United skipper used to operating as a number ten. Amorim will have to be patient with his compatriot as he learns a new role.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund - United played without an orthodox striker against Ipswich but Hojlund could return to the lineup on Thursday. Amorim will be keen to transform the Denmark international into a lite version of Viktor Gyokeres.
LF: Marcus Rashford - Rashford scored two minutes into the Amorim era but did little else against Ipswich. He must grab his opportunity at the beginning of a new dawn having been sub-par for the last 18 months.
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