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’s first words as Manchester United head coach came as he strolled the Old Trafford pitch in an interview with the club’s in-house media. He spoke of understanding the “massive challenge” in front of him,