Man Utd predicted lineup vs Ipswich in new boss Ruben Amorim's first game in charge

Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first game as Man Utd boss at Ipswich on Sunday and faces some big selection calls as he implements a new way of playing in a bold new era at Old Trafford

Ruben Amorim is facing several big selection calls ahead of his first game as Manchester United boss at Ipswich on Sunday.

United are expected to line up in Amorim's favoured 3-4-3 formation, marking a major departure from the 4-2-3-1 system they were used to playing under former boss Erik ten Hag. Amorim's preparation for the game at Portman Road has been hampered by players being away on international duty this week, with some only returning to United on Thursday.

Against that backdrop, Amorim faces a dilemma over the starting line-up for his first game, with match fitness and availability throughout the week likely to be a key factor. Manuel Ugarte played under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon and is expected to play a key role under him, in addition to having started all four games under former interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.

But with Ugarte having only returned from international duty on Thursday, having played the full 90 minutes in Uruguay's 1-1 draw with Brazil on Tuesday, he may not be deemed ready to start. A more likely scenario is Amorim going with a midfield pairing of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, who both trained all week, even though the latter has not played since an injury lay-off early last month.

In defence, Amorim's back three could be made up of Matthijs De Ligt, Jonny Evans and Lisandro Martinez, with Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot operating in the wing-back roles. Leny Yoro, a £59million summer signing yet to play for United after suffering a serious injury in pre-season, could also be involved, after being pulled out of the Under-21s squad to face Altrincham on Tuesday, although he is unlikely to start.

That leaves three attacking positions up front, with skipper Bruno Fernandes certain to occupy one of them, leaving Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund vying for the other two spots, with Joshua Zirkzee and Antony are likely to be on the bench.

Garnacho was an unused sub in Argentina's 1-0 win over Peru on Tuesday, but Amad has trained all week under Amorim and may therefore get the nod over him on Sunday. Andre Onana's position in goal is not under threat for now, with United's new goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital entrusted with the task of making him more accomplished and comfortable playing out from the back, something that happened all too rarely under Ten Hag.

How Man Utd might line up in Amorim's first game in charge:

Man Utd (3-4-3): Onana; De Ligt, Evans, Martinez; Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Amad, Rashford, Fernandes

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.