Man Utd team news: Predicted XI vs Everton as Amorim makes Garnacho and Shaw decisions

Ruben Amorim’s recent rotation declaration and flexible 3-4-3 system will make predicting how his Manchester United teams will look an arduous task. The army of players conveniently returning from injury lay-offs in perfect time for the start of the Amorim era adds to the difficulty.

He has guaranteed to switch up his teams in the early stages of his reign to cope with an overloaded festive fixture list and help his squad adapt to his new ideas.

Express Sport has a go at running through how United will likely line up against Everton on Sunday – with Amorim’s public plans and a trip to Arsenal three days later in mind.

Man Utd predicted XI vs Everton

Goalkeeper – Onana

Amorim’s first match in charge would have ended in defeat if not for Andre Onana’s heroics. He deserved his sixth Premier League clean sheet of the season against Ipswich Town.

Defence – Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez

Noussair Mazraoui continued his strong start to life at United as he operated in his fourth position of the season at Portman Road.

With Amorim managing Leny Yoro’s return with the utmost care, Mazraoui’s defensive tenacity and pace make him his best shout at right-centre-back.

Matthijs de Ligt should continue as the central centre-back, and Harry Maguire’s return to training adds competition in that role.

Amorim has the choice of Lisandro Martinez or Luke Shaw at left-centre-back. Both have returned from injury in the past week, but the former is the more likely option.

Midfield – Amad, Ugarte, Eriksen, Dalot

Amad performed well, for the most part, in an alien role at Ipswich last weekend, providing the assist for Marcus Rashford’s early opener.

He should retain his spot, with Diogo Dalot continuing on the left. Shaw is a welcome returnee, but his injury record demands a cautious comeback.

Manuel Ugarte likely would’ve started against Ipswich if he hadn’t been on international duty in South America during the week.

With more than a week’s training under his belt, he should establish himself as a regular starter under his former Sporting boss.

Kobbie Mainoo is back, but he is another whose recovery can’t be rushed. He should feature on the bench again.

Christian Eriksen is better suited than Casemiro to the qualities Amorim wants from his more advanced central midfielder.

Attack – Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford

Two changes from the 1-1 draw in East Anglia so far, and that should be where the changes end.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Amorim stayed with his front three of Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rashford.

Rasmus Hojlund could enter the starting frame, but Rashford’s fifth goal of the season last weekend could help him keep his place.