Yoro return, Martinez role, Maguire U-turn - Ruben Amorim's dream Man United defence

Ruben Amorim is edging closer to becoming the new Manchester United head coach. The 39-year-old is set to leave his role at Sporting CP and replace Erik ten Hag, who was sacked earlier this week, at Old Trafford.

Although an announcement from United is imminent, Amorim is not expected to take the reigns until after the international break. It means that Ruud van Nistelrooy will have three more matches - including Sunday's clash with Chelsea - as the interim head coach after guiding United to a 5-2 win over Leicester on Wednesday.

When Amorim does take over, there are a number of changes he could make to the United side. One potential alternation is switching the formation to a back-three - a shape in which he has often used at Sporting. This could allow United to have a better structure and get the best out of some of their players.

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If he does use a three at the back formation, Harry Maguire could get a new lease of life at United. The 31-year-old was in and out of the XI under Ten Hag but does suit playing in a three-man defence, having excelled when playing in that shape for England.

Competing Maguire for a place would be Matthijs de Ligt, who has not made the desired impact since his summer move from Bayern Munich. De Ligt can be used anywhere across a three-man defence, which gives Amorim some flexibility if he does want to try and force the Dutchman into his first XI.

Either side of Maguire in Amorim's 'dream' United defence would be Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez. Yoro hasn't yet made a competitive appearance for United following his move from Lille but would slot into the right centre-back berth, while Martinez can be used on the left-side of the back-three.

Moving to the wing-backs in this formation, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot would battle it on for the place on the right-hand side. Both players have made impressive starts to the campaign, with Mazraoui used on the right and Dalot on the left, with United having to deal with somewhat of an injury crisis.

However, for Amorim's 'dream' defence, Dalot is going to get the nod on the right, with Luke Shaw coming in on the left side. If Shaw can overcome his injury troubles, he can be pivotal for United, as he has shown for England that he is a world-class left-wing back. He would be supported by Tyrell Malacia.

Jonny Evans is the only other senior defender in the squad that hasn't been mentioned, and he could be another ideal alternative in the back three with experience there himself. Alongside the five at the back would be Andre Onana in goal, with Altay Bayindir competing with him for the first-choice slot.

Amorim's 'dream' defence: Onana; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw