Ruben Amorim wants to breathe a fresh lease of life into Antony by using him as a wing-back, while Marcus Rashford is expected to play as a striker.

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• Amorim holds first training sessions with Man Utd
• Several surprises with team selections
• Tactical changes on cards ahead of first game

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Taking charge of his first training session at Carrington this week, Amorim was dealt with a limited squad due to ongoing international commitments. Despite this, the Portuguese coach seized the opportunity to integrate some of his ideas. Senior players like Rashford and Luke Shaw were present, along with returning youngsters Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo, who are recovering from injuries. He also made a surprise move by promoting 16-year-old Godwill Kukonki, a towering 6'5" prospect, to train with the first team.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to one of his most surprising moves was repositioning Antony, traditionally a winger, to a wing-back role. Amorim, however, seems determined to maximise the Brazilian's potential with this tactical switch.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Amorim also chose to deploy Rashford as the central striker, aiming to leverage his finishing skills and speed. His return to the No. 9 position is expected to rejuvenate United’s attacking options, with supporting roles behind the centre forward offered to Amad Diallo and Mason Mount. Historically, the club has relied on a back-four structure dating back to Sir Alex Ferguson's era. However, Amorim is not bound by tradition and having achieved significant success at Sporting CP with a 3-4-3 system, he has introduced the same tactical approach at United. He tested the formation, placing Rashford as the focal point of the attack. The defensive trio featured Shaw and Yoro on either side of Jonny Evans. However, it remains to be seen if Amorim continues to use Rashford as the No.9 when the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee return to the fold.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  Amorim’s tactical experimentation comes just days before United's trip to Ipswich Town – his first game in charge as head coach.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News