(3-4-1-2) Victor Gyökeres Debut, Cunha Position Changed: Predicted Manchester United Line-Up vs Leeds United Friendly Match This Week – As Rúben Amorim Makes Four Changes to the Frontline
As Manchester United gear up for their pre-season clash with Leeds United this week, all eyes will be on new head coach Rúben Amorim and the tactical experimentation he’s expected to unveil. One of the most anticipated talking points is the potential debut of £85 million signing Victor Gyökeres, alongside a significant position switch for Matheus Cunha, as Amorim reportedly prepares to make four key changes to United’s attacking setup.
The friendly match, while not competitive in nature, carries immense strategic value for Amorim and his coaching staff. It’s the first real opportunity to implement his preferred 3-4-1-2 system, test player roles in real match conditions, and begin to establish the identity that will define his reign at Old Trafford.
Let’s take a deeper look at the predicted starting XI, focusing particularly on how Amorim’s tactical decisions could shape United’s frontline — with Gyökeres poised to lead the line and Cunha adjusting to a new creative role behind the strikers.
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✅ Predicted Formation: 3-4-1-2
Rúben Amorim is widely known for favoring variations of a back three formation, most notably the 3-4-3 and 3-4-1-2 systems that brought him success at Sporting CP. The 3-4-1-2 appears to be his system of choice in the early stages at United, as it allows him to pair two central strikers while offering midfield balance and defensive solidity.
Here’s how the predicted XI could line up against Leeds United:
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🧤 Goalkeeper: André Onana
Onana remains Amorim’s first-choice goalkeeper. His ball-playing ability is crucial to building out from the back — a non-negotiable in Amorim’s tactical philosophy. The Cameroon international is expected to start this match, helping United transition cleanly through the thirds.
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🛡️ Back Three: Lisandro Martínez – Jarrad Branthwaite – Raphaël Varane
With a focus on distribution, pace, and anticipation, this trio balances physical presence with composure:
Lisandro Martínez plays on the left, where his tenacity and progressive passing help advance play.
Jarrad Branthwaite, a likely new addition, could be trialed in the center role — tasked with sweeping and organizing the high defensive line.
Raphaël Varane, if fit, slots in on the right side, adding experience and aerial strength.
Should Varane not be risked for this friendly, Harry Maguire or Willy Kambwala could step in temporarily.
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⚙️ Wing-Backs: Diogo Dalot (RWB) – Luke Shaw (LWB)
In Amorim’s system, wing-backs are essential. They must offer both width in attack and defensive coverage:
Dalot has thrived in hybrid roles and will be expected to provide constant width, overlaps, and defensive recoveries.
Luke Shaw, playing higher up as a left wing-back, will look to contribute crosses and cutbacks — vital for a two-striker system.
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🧠 Double Pivot: Kobbie Mainoo – Bruno Fernandes
A key change from past regimes is Bruno Fernandes operating deeper, in a double pivot next to Kobbie Mainoo. While unconventional, it reflects Amorim’s trust in Bruno’s passing range and football intelligence to dictate tempo.
Mainoo, meanwhile, continues to impress as a natural ball carrier and interceptor. His agility and control help anchor the midfield and initiate transitions.
If Bruno shifts higher in the second half, we may see Casemiro or Mount come into midfield to allow him more attacking freedom.
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🎯 Attacking Midfield (CAM): Matheus Cunha
One of the most significant tweaks is the repositioning of Matheus Cunha into the No. 10 role — playing behind the two strikers instead of as a traditional forward.
At Wolves, Cunha was used primarily as a striker or inside forward, but Amorim sees in him the qualities of a modern “enganche” — a central creator who can receive between the lines, press high, and link midfield to attack.
This new role allows Cunha to:
Use his vision and dribbling in congested areas.
Make late runs into the box.
Connect with strikers Gyökeres and Højlund more fluidly.
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🔥 Front Two: Victor Gyökeres – Rasmus Højlund
The debut that every United fan has been waiting for: Victor Gyökeres is set to make his first appearance in red, paired alongside Rasmus Højlund in a front two that could redefine United’s attack.
Gyökeres, a powerful, relentless striker who scored 43 goals for Sporting last season, brings directness, hold-up play, and an aggressive pressing instinct. He’s tailor-made for Amorim’s demands.
Højlund, entering his second season, now has a partner to ease the scoring burden. His movement and energy can complement Gyökeres’ physical style, creating a well-balanced duo.
The pair are expected to press from the front, stretch defenses, and interlink constantly — a dynamic United have lacked in recent years.
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🔄 Substitutions to Watch:
Given it’s a friendly, expect several second-half changes. Likely inclusions:
Mason Mount – to provide energy and running from midfield.
Alejandro Garnacho – possibly tested as a wing-back or second striker.
Amad Diallo – may be trialed in the CAM role behind the strikers.
Casemiro – could get minutes to regain match sharpness, possibly as a deeper midfield anchor.
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⚽ Four Changes to the Frontline Explained:
Amorim’s transformation of the attacking structure involves:
1. Switching to two strikers – moving away from the lone Højlund approach.
2. Introducing Gyökeres – as a main striker capable of spearheading pressing.
3. Repositioning Cunha – into a more creative playmaker role.
4. Shifting Bruno deeper – creating space for Cunha ahead, while also improving build-up play.
This holistic shift suggests Amorim is building an attacking framework focused on pressing, vertical movement, and intelligent combinations.
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🚨 What to Expect vs Leeds United
Though it’s a pre-season match, Leeds will provide a stern test with their energetic, physical style. Amorim will be looking to:
Assess how well the new shape holds under pressure.
Test the chemistry between Gyökeres and Højlund.
Evaluate Cunha’s influence in his new role.
Observe defensive transitions when wing-backs push high.
Don’t be surprised if the tempo slows in the second half or if shape changes slightly with substitutions — but this friendly will offer the first clear glimpse of “AmorimBall” at Manchester United.
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📣 Final Thoughts
With Gyökeres set to make his debut, Cunha shifting into a creative role, and United embracing Amorim’s 3-4-1-2 structure, the friendly against Leeds United is about more than fitness — it’s about establishing identity.
The changes to the frontline are not just tactical tweaks — they’re a blueprint for the se
ason ahead. If this is a preview of what’s to come, fans should be excited: Manchester United finally look like a team with structure, intent, and innovation.
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