Jamie Carragher predicts how Man United will line up in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation… with a controversial choice at wing back

Jamie Carragher has cast doubt on Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire playing together under Ruben Amorim, while putting forward a surprise candidate for the left-back role.

The Red Devils are counting down the days until their new manager takes over at Old Trafford after confirming his arrival last week.

United supporters will have to wait until their match against Ipswich at Portman Road on November 24 to see Amorim’s first starting line-up, but until then, speculation will continue as to how his side might line up.

The Portuguese boss has used a back three almost exclusively in recent seasons and it is expected that this preference will continue in Manchester. However, it raises questions about the suitability of the current squad and will require some stars to play in unknown positions.

This also applies to central defence, where Carragher believes Lisandro Martinez could flourish, but is concerned about the fit De Ligt and Maguire playing together.

The 39-year-old will take over as Red Devils boss on November 11, with his first match on November 24.

Carragher thinks Amorim’s system will make it difficult for Matthijs de Ligt (left) and Harry Maguire (right) to play together in the same team

“I think Martinez could suit this position.” The former Liverpool defender said this to Sky Sports. ‘I don’t see De Ligt or Maguire in the wide positions. They won’t be able to cope – I don’t think they can play in the same back three.

“Yoro has come in as a young player, he is a project for the club and I am sure they will work with him, he can probably handle the pace too.”

On United’s future midfield, Carragher added: ‘When I saw Sporting play the two [central midfielders] don’t sit here alone. They will push and be very aggressive against the opposing players.

‘It will be about energy there. How often do we see teams with three or four players in them? People talk about playing the box there, so it will be very interesting to see how they handle that defensively.

“His out-of-possession positioning will be fascinating if he doesn’t have the best players or team in the league.”

The most surprising inclusion in Carragher’s predicted XI came at left-back. The ex-defender opted for a central defense consisting of De Light, Martinez and Yoro, a central midfield of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo, and placed Noussair Mazraoui as right wing-back.

Further forward, Rasmus Hojlund led Carragher’s hypothetical team, just ahead of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford in tenth. That left a final, nominally defensive position and Carragher opted for Alejandro Garnacho, although he admitted his selection could cause problems when facing elite teams.

Amorim’s preferred formation could see Alejandro Garnacho playing in one of the full-back positions

Carragher predicted which formation Amorim will play in his first game as Man United manager

‘If you look at his formation at Sporting, sometimes these players are asked to be very high, to attack and they will have to be good in one-on-one. [situations].’ He added. ‘But that’s when Man United dominate the ball, maybe at Old Trafford.

‘But if you look at the fixture list, they took Arsenal away early and that will be very interesting. When you play against [Bukayo] She and Saka dominate and are at home, up front and Garnacho is asked to play as a left wing-back.

‘No, no, no.’ said former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov abruptly.