Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens
After 2 disappointing seasons, Andre Onana is no longer sure of his place. Man United has just brought in Senne Lammens, a 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper, not necessarily to replace him immediately but will create competition. Onana is likely to miss the end of the year when he has to CAN 2025 with Cameroon, which could be an opportunity for Lammens to play earlier.
Senne Lammens' reflex ability is reminiscent of David De Gea's youth, with his "octopus" strides and spectacular saves. The young goalkeeper's weak point is his ability to integrate into the Premier League.
3-man defense: Leny Yoro is sure to win, the rest are left empty
Ruben Amorim's philosophy requires midfielders to be mobile, ready to spread out like full-backs and have the ability to hold the ball forward. With impressive form in the recent period, Leny Yoro is a name that is almost certain to be in good physical condition.
Matthijs de Ligt started the opening 3 matches, replacing Harry Maguire, thanks to his ball control and development of play from the back. Lisandro Martinez is still being treated for a cruciate ligament injury, but when he returns, he will be the first choice for the left-sided centre-back role thanks to his creative passing ability.
Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui, who are used to playing as full-backs, can also adapt to the three-man centre-back formation. However, in the long run, Amorim will need more young, fast and skillful central defenders like Yoro or Heaven instead of the classic type like Maguire.
Wing-back: Many questions about depth and personality
Patrick Dorgu is currently the best choice for the wing-back position. At the age of 20, he is responsible for keeping the width and supporting strong attacks on the left wing. Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot used to play as wing-backs but each had their own strengths and weaknesses. Mazraoui is skillful while Dalot is physical. Luke Shaw is also capable of playing left-back but his injury history has left Amorim reserved.
Meanwhile, Amad Diallo could pair up with Bryan Mbeumo on the right wing, creating a notable tactical trend. Amorim likes left-footed players on the right wing which could affect the playing time of a few players. However, the wing-back position always requires a huge amount of movement, so there will definitely be rotation.
Central midfielder: The most difficult problem
Man United did not have time to bring in more central midfielders this summer and that could be the deciding factor for the whole season. Amorim wants midfielders who are both strong in competition and good at passing the ball long. However, Bruno Fernandes has not yet fully adapted to the role of box-to-box, while Casemiro at the age of 33 has been much slower than at his peak at Real Madrid.
The Kobbie Mainoo - Manuel Ugarte pair brought some balance when Mainoo escaped pressing well, Ugarte was strong in the dispute. However, both lack the ability to pass long balls and are not good at aerial combat. Mason Mount could be tested in the center, thanks to his intelligence when not playing football, but he also cannot solve the aerial problem.
"No. 10": Total, diverse players
More than £150 million was spent on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, two new signings who brought breakthrough power and the ability to pull the ball from the back. Cunha has helped Dorgu shine with accurate pass passes for the defender to run down. Meanwhile, Mbeumo with his skillful left foot has become a danger in set pieces, especially corners facing the far post.
Mason Mount is still Ruben Amorim's offside player. The English star is willing to run instead of "a half-man", partly compensating his teammates for being more creative than defensive. Amad Diallo could also take on the right-sided 'number 10' role when needed to rotate.
In addition, will Bruno Fernandes be pulled back to his familiar "number 10" position? In case Cunha or Mount have problems, the "Red Devils" captain can play behind the striker for Mainoo and Casemiro to guard the midfield.
Center forward: Sesko and Zirkzee are strong enough to carry?
Benjamin Sesko is not in the best physical condition so he has not started in the Premier League, but his speed and intelligence in movement show great potential. Amorim hopes the 22-year-old striker will quickly score to get the best feeling.
Joshua Zirkzee is a quality alternative. He admits that he is "number 9 and a half" because he prefers to stay deep to connect teammates rather than stick close to the opponent's penalty area. Last season, Ruben Amorim tested Zirkzee in the "number 10" position.
