Ruben Amorim could be without seven players for first game in charge of Manchester United

Ruben Amorim could face a significant challenge in his first match as Manchester United manager, with up to seven players potentially unavailable for the away clash against Ipswich on Sunday afternoon.

Notably, all but one of the sidelined players are defenders, compounding the difficulties in fielding a solid backline.

Amorim is awaiting the return of United’s international players to Carrington over the next 48 hours before implementing his tactical approach.

With United languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, Amorim’s early days will be focused on revitalizing a team that struggled during the final weeks of Erik ten Hag’s tenure.

One persistent issue Ruben Amorim inherits is a treatment room filled with injured centre-backs, a factor that could shape his initial selection decisions.

The new manager is expected to deploy the 3-4-3 formation that brought him success at Sporting Lisbon.

Despite the injury concerns, there is some positive news.

Lisandro Martinez, who was sent back to Manchester by Argentina due to a sore back, may have a chance of recovery in time for the weekend fixture.

His potential availability would be a welcome boost for Amorim as he aims to secure a positive start at Old Trafford.

Amorim’s strategic adjustments and team management will be under close scrutiny as he embarks on his Manchester United journey, starting with a tricky test against Ipswich.

“We didn’t expect the case of Lisandro,” said Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni before the world champions faced Paraguay.

“We saw that he had suffered a blow to his back, but apparently, he had no problem, just pain.

“When he arrived here, the pain increased a bit, he underwent tests and is not fit to be here.”

Former captain Harry Maguire is not expected to return until early December due to the injury he sustained against Aston Villa in October.

Victor Lindelof, who has already missed much of the campaign, was forced to leave the field with a hamstring issue during the first half of Sweden’s Nations League victory over Slovakia on Saturday.

Luke Shaw, although still a couple of weeks away from a full return, has resumed training after dealing with hamstring and calf injuries.

Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia could potentially make his first appearance in 18 months, likely as a substitute, after receiving medical clearance following two knee surgeries.

Summer signing Leny Yoro might also be poised to make his competitive debut for the club this weekend, having recovered from a broken foot sustained in pre-season.

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