Manchester United’s new head coach Ruben Amorim has wasted no time getting to work, overseeing his first training sessions with the squad in preparation for the Premier League clash against Ipswich Town on Sunday, November 24.

Players not involved in international duty have already taken to the training pitch, while the rest of the squad is expected to rejoin imminently.

The new manager has received a timely boost with several key players returning from injury. Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Leny Yoro, and Tyrell Malacia are back in action, giving Amorim a deeper squad to work with as he aims to implement his ideas.

Amorim, renowned for his success at Sporting Lisbon, arrives with a reputation for high-intensity football and tactical acumen. Early glimpses from the training ground suggest that changes are afoot at Old Trafford, offering fans plenty to look forward to as Amorim prepares for his debut.

Ahead of his first game in charge this weekend against Ipswich Town, here are the key takeaways that can make fans more excited-

1. Introduction of the 3-4-3 Formation

Amorim is known for his preference for a 3-4-3 formation, and it seems this setup will be central to his plans at Manchester United.

Training footage showcased players adapting to this system, which features a back three and a midfield with wing-backs providing width.

2. Marcus Rashford’s New Role

One of the standout observations from training was Marcus Rashford’s positioning as the central striker, or No. 9, in Amorim’s system. With no traditional left-wing role in the 3-4-3 formation, Rashford will need to adapt to leading the line—akin to how Amorim deployed Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting.

However, competition for the striker position remains fierce, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee also in contention.

3. Increased Intensity

Training sessions under Amorim have been marked by a magnified focus on intensity and physical effort. The Portuguese coach is known for demanding hard running and high work rates from his players, a hallmark of his Sporting Lisbon teams.

This emphasis on intensity is likely to address the lethargy that troubled United at times under Ten Hag.

4. Antony’s Reinvention

In a surprising development, Antony appears to be undergoing a positional transformation. The Brazilian winger, who has struggled for consistency since his high-profile move from Ajax, is now being trained as a right wing-back.

This new role could provide Antony with a fresh start after he lost his position in the team this season.