The arrival of Ruben Amorim as Manchester United's new head coach has ignited a wave of anticipation among the club's devoted fanbase. As the 39-year-old Portuguese tactician takes the reins at Carrington, he faces the daunting task of evaluating his squad and determining the futures of several key players. With Amorim's impressive track record at Sporting Lisbon, where he recently masterminded a stunning 4-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League, the pressure is on to replicate that success at Old Trafford.

Unlocking the Potential: Amorim's Vision for Manchester United

Antony: Proving His Worth or Seeking a New Horizon?

The Brazilian winger, Antony, has found himself firmly in the spotlight as one of the players whose future is uncertain under Amorim's leadership. Costing a staggering £86 million, the former Ajax star has struggled to live up to the hefty price tag since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2022. Losing his place in the starting lineup under Erik ten Hag, Antony now faces the challenge of convincing Amorim that he is worth retaining. However, the new manager's previous encounter with Antony, where the player showcased his best form, could provide the Brazilian with a glimmer of hope. Despite this, the odds suggest that Antony's time at Manchester United may be drawing to a close, as Amorim seeks to reshape the squad to fit his tactical vision.

Veteran Presence or Youthful Dynamism: The Jonny Evans Conundrum

The case of Jonny Evans is a complex one, as the 36-year-old center-back's future at the club would have been in question regardless of the managerial change. While Evans has been a reliable and experienced presence in the United backline since his return in 2023, Amorim's preference for a more youthful and dynamic squad may limit the veteran's playing time. As the new manager aims to optimize the team's performance, it is likely that he will prioritize the development of academy players over the continued reliance on the aging Evans. However, the Northern Irishman's wealth of knowledge and leadership could potentially see him transition into a player-coach role within the club's youth setup, allowing him to impart his expertise to the next generation of United talent.

Malacia's Injury Woes and Amorim's Tactical Demands

The case of Tyrell Malacia is a particularly intriguing one, as the Dutch full-back has been sidelined for over 17 months due to a persistent injury. At 25 years old, Malacia's prolonged absence has been a significant setback in his development, and his future at Manchester United may be further complicated by Amorim's tactical preferences. The new manager's preference for a 3-4-3 formation, which utilizes more wingers than traditional wing-backs, may not align with Malacia's strengths. As a result, the Dutchman may find himself struggling to secure a place in Amorim's starting lineup, potentially leading to a search for a new club in 2025.

Eriksen's Conundrum: Fitting into Amorim's System

Christian Eriksen's situation is a complex one, as the Danish midfielder has been in excellent form for Manchester United. However, his role within Amorim's tactical setup may not be as straightforward. The new manager's preference for a single defensive midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder may not provide the ideal fit for Eriksen's skillset. While the former Sporting Lisbon boss could potentially deploy Eriksen as an inside forward or attacking midfielder, the likelihood of the Dane departing the club in 2025 cannot be overlooked.

Shaw's Injury Woes and Amorim's Tactical Vision

The final player whose future is uncertain under Amorim's reign is Luke Shaw. The 29-year-old left-back has been sidelined with an injury since February, and his absence has coincided with a challenging period for the club. Shaw's injury history and the fact that he may not fit seamlessly into Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 system could spell trouble for the England international. The new manager's desire to inject youth and dynamism into the wing-back positions may leave Shaw struggling to secure a regular place in the starting lineup, even if he manages to regain full fitness. With two and a half years remaining on his contract, Manchester United will likely need to find a suitable buyer for the experienced defender.