Amorim is expected to move United to a back three for his opening game at Ipswich with two hard-working midfielders—former player Manuel Ugarte included—offering an aggressive buffer ahead of the back line. The switch should offer more defensive solidity from the outset.

Ruben Amorim has added five coaches who he worked alongside at Sporting Lisbon to his new-look Manchester United backroom staff. Carlos Fernandes, Jorge Vital, Adelio Candido, Emanuel Ferro and Paulo Barreira have all joined the 39-year-old’s coaching set-up,