Ruben Amorim may break his biggest Man Utd promise in first match after worrying blow

Ruben Amorim promised that if anything, his Manchester United side would showcase an “idea” in the Premier League trip to Ipswich Town in seven days’ time. However, the Portuguese coach may be forced to divert from his philosophy at the first hurdle after a couple of worrying developments during the international break.

United travel to Portman Road on Sunday to face an Ipswich side fresh off their first win since returning to the English top flight – a 2-1 triumph at Tottenham.

It will be no straightforward task for Amorim, who will only have days to establish the foundations of his vision at Carrington before thrusting into action.

The 39-year-old will concern supporters if he lines United up in a back four against Ipswich rather than the system he’s mastered at Sporting.

Amorim himself has heavily suggested he plans to stick to what he knows rather than adapting to suit the squad he has inherited in Manchester.

“I think you will see an idea,” Amorim began. “You could like it or not, I don’t know, but you will see an idea.

“You will see a positioning. You will see something that we want to reach that kind of level. You will feel that.

“We have to know that it’s like two trainings before the first match. This is the best league in the world. But if I have to say something to you, [it’s that] you will see an idea. This I can guarantee.”

However, he might not even have enough centre-backs at his disposal to debut a three-at-the-back formation against the Tractor Boys.

Harry Maguire remains unavailable, while Leny Yoro has returned to first-team training but won’t be rushed into action after three months on the sidelines.

Lisandro Martinez suffered a knock in the 3-0 victory against Leicester City last Sunday and didn’t feature for Argentina this week before returning to the UK early.

Meanwhile, medics helped Victor Lindelof off the pitch after he was struck by his own injury problems in Sweden’s 2-1 win over Slovakia yesterday (Saturday).

It may leave Matthijs de Ligt and Jonny Evans as Amorim’s only available centre-backs, attracting a looming dilemma.

Does he find a makeshift solution? Casemiro has previously covered as a central defender at Old Trafford, as has Manuel Ugarte in Uruguay’s back three.

Or will Amorim abandon the “identity” he publicly deems so important at the earliest opportunity?

Temporary or not, that could lead to a sticky start to his tenure.