(3-4-1-2) Benjamin Šeško Official Debut, Martínez Back from Injury – Predicted Manchester United Line-Up vs Fiorentina as Rúben Amorim Names His First Starting XI
Manchester United fans are in for a treat as the Red Devils prepare to face Italian giants Fiorentina in a high-stakes preseason clash that carries far more weight than a typical friendly. This match is not just a warm-up — it’s a statement. For the first time, newly appointed manager Rúben Amorim will unveil his full-strength starting XI, giving supporters their first real taste of what the 2025/26 season might look like under his reign.
Adding even more excitement to the mix is the official debut of Benjamin Šeško, United’s newest and most talked-about signing, alongside the long-awaited return of defensive warrior Lisandro Martínez, who is finally back from injury after a grueling spell on the sidelines.
With Amorim set to implement his tactical vision, and all eyes on the new-look squad, here’s a deep dive into the predicted Manchester United line-up in a dynamic 3-4-1-2 formation that could define a new era at Old Trafford.
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🔴 RÚBEN AMORIM ERA BEGINS
Appointed to bring tactical clarity, youth development, and attacking football back to Manchester United, Rúben Amorim has already begun reshaping the squad both in personnel and playing style.
Sources from Carrington confirm the Portuguese coach has been working tirelessly to instill a high-pressing, possession-based philosophy. His preferred system? The 3-4-1-2 — a flexible shape that blends defensive solidity with attacking fluidity.
Amorim used this setup with great success at Sporting CP, and with the squad he now has at United, he’s set to unleash it against Fiorentina — a formidable Serie A opponent who will be looking to spoil the party.
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🧤 GOALKEEPER: ANDRÉ ONANA
No surprises between the sticks. André Onana will continue as United’s No. 1, looking to build on a much-improved second half of last season. Amorim values goalkeepers who are comfortable in possession, and Onana fits that mold perfectly.
Expect him to act almost as a sweeper-keeper, often playing high up the pitch to support build-up play and initiate counter-attacks with sharp distribution.
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🛡️ BACK THREE: VARANE – MARTÍNEZ – DALOT
With Amorim’s three-at-the-back system, the defensive line will take on a new shape and identity:
Raphaël Varane (RCB) brings experience and aerial dominance. Despite past injury concerns, he remains a trusted leader in the back line.
Lisandro Martínez (CB) makes his long-awaited return after months out due to a foot injury. His aggressive style, excellent passing range, and natural leadership make him the heartbeat of this defensive unit.
Diogo Dalot (LCB) may be deployed in a hybrid role. While traditionally a fullback, Dalot has the tactical discipline and stamina to play as a wide centre-back, capable of stepping into midfield during transitions.
This trio offers a mix of composure, bite, and ball-playing ability — essential traits for Amorim’s system.
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🛣️ WINGBACKS: LUKE SHAW & KOBBIE MAINOO
Luke Shaw (LWB) will relish the freedom to surge forward. A natural fit for the wingback role, his overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses could create plenty of chances for Šeško and Højlund.
Kobbie Mainoo (RWB) is a bold but smart choice. Though not a traditional wide player, Amorim has been experimenting with inverted wingbacks, and Mainoo’s technical ability, spatial awareness, and defensive intelligence make him perfect for the role. Expect him to drift into midfield when United have possession.
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⚙️ DOUBLE PIVOT: CASEMIRO & MOUNT
In central midfield, Amorim will likely opt for balance and work rate:
Casemiro provides the steel — breaking up play, organizing the midfield, and offering leadership. Despite speculation about his future, he remains a crucial figure in big games.
Mason Mount is set for a key role under Amorim. Freed from last season’s injuries and positional confusion, Mount can thrive as a deep-lying playmaker — recycling possession, driving forward, and connecting with the attack.
This duo offers a strong mix of physicality and creativity — essential to controlling the tempo against Fiorentina’s technical midfield.
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🎨 ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: BRUNO FERNANDES (C)
Captain Bruno Fernandes will operate in his most natural position — the No. 10 role. In Amorim’s 3-4-1-2, this is the system’s creative engine.
Bruno will be granted freedom to roam, drop into half-spaces, and find pockets between the lines. His vision and ability to pick out runners will be vital in linking up with the new striker pairing.
Expect plenty of slick one-touch passing and through balls aimed at the forward duo — and maybe even a trademark long-range screamer.
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🔥 STRIKE PARTNERS: BENJAMIN ŠEŠKO & RASMUS HØJLUND
This is the headline act. Benjamin Šeško, making his official debut, is set to partner Rasmus Højlund in what many hope will become one of the Premier League’s most fearsome strike duos.
Šeško, the £45 million summer signing, brings physical dominance, hold-up play, and sharp finishing. His ability to drift wide and drag defenders out of position complements Højlund’s direct running style.
Højlund, who showed glimpses of brilliance last season, now has the perfect partner to share the load and create space.
Their combination of height, pace, and pressing intensity will be crucial in Amorim’s high-octane attack. This could be the beginning of a devastating partnership.
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🔁 BENCH OPTIONS
Amorim is likely to name a strong bench as well, with the likes of:
Alejandro Garnacho – Ready to inject pace and chaos in the second half.
Christian Eriksen – Can slot into midfield if creativity is needed.
Jadon Sancho – Hoping to fight for redemption after last season’s exile.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – Offers a more defensive option at wingback.
Jonny Evans – Veteran depth if Martínez needs easing in.
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🔮 TACTICAL OUTLOOK
Against Fiorentina, expect United to:
Press aggressively in midfield.
Build from the back using short passing triangles.
Overload the wings with Shaw and Mainoo pushing up.
Use Šeško and Højlund to pin back defenders and stretch the pitch.
Amorim’s goal will be to dominate possession, force turnovers in high areas, and quickly transition into attacks.
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🗣️ FINAL THOUGHTS
This isn’t just another preseason fixture — it’s a preview of a new identity for Manchester United. With Rúben Amorim at the helm, Benjamin Šeško finally donning the red shirt, and Lisandro Martínez roaring back to life, United fans have every reason to be excited.
The 3-4-1-2 system offers balance, control, and attacking threat — and with the talent available, it could be the tactical reset the club has desperately needed.
The Red Devils take on Fiorentina with hope, hunger, and history behind them.
Predicted XI vs Fiorentina (3-4-1-2):
Onana; Varane, Martínez, Dalot; Mainoo, Casemiro, Mount, Shaw; Bruno Fernandes (C); Šeško, Højlund
Let the new era begin. 🔴🔥
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