“(3-4-3) Maguire as a striker, like Shaw given new role to play: Predicted Man United line-up vs Athletic Bilbao – As Ruben Amorim finally makes bold decision on Kobbie Mainoo”

“(3-4-3) Maguire as a striker, like Shaw given new role to play: Predicted Man United line-up vs Athletic Bilbao – As Ruben Amorim finally makes bold decision on Kobbie Mainoo”

 

 

 

(3-4-3) Maguire as a striker, like Shaw given new role to play: Predicted Man United line-up vs Athletic Bilbao – As Ruben Amorim finally makes bold decision on Kobbie Mainoo

 

In a season of transition, surprises, and tactical tweaks, Manchester United’s new manager Ruben Amorim seems ready to throw another curveball. Ahead of a high-stakes pre-season clash against Athletic Bilbao, the Portuguese tactician has hinted at some unorthodox changes—none more eye-catching than the potential redeployment of Harry Maguire as a striker in a fluid 3-4-3 formation, with Luke Shaw also handed a new midfield-like role. Meanwhile, one of the biggest talking points will undoubtedly be the bold decision on the future of Kobbie Mainoo.

 

Here’s a deep dive into the possible line-up, the tactical shift Amorim is implementing, and what these changes could mean for United’s identity moving forward.

 

 

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Amorim’s Influence and Tactical Philosophy

 

Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford has been met with both optimism and curiosity. Known for his dynamic 3-4-3 system at Sporting CP, Amorim favours a high-pressing style, fluid positional rotations, and ball-dominant play. His ability to extract unexpected performances from players in unfamiliar roles has already been seen in training and friendlies.

 

The former Sporting boss made headlines during his time in Portugal by converting central defenders into midfield anchors and giving young players prominent responsibility. It’s that boldness and willingness to experiment that is now being reflected in the squad decisions leading into the Bilbao fixture.

 

 

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Maguire as a Striker? A Tactical Experiment or a Long-Term Plan?

 

It might sound like a football fan’s fever dream, but the possibility of Harry Maguire being deployed as an auxiliary striker isn’t entirely random. Amorim reportedly trialled Maguire in an advanced role during behind-closed-doors training this week, capitalising on the England defender’s aerial prowess and ability to hold up play under pressure.

 

Standing at 6’4”, Maguire has often been a target during attacking set-pieces, but playing him up front in open play would be a dramatic switch. The thinking behind this move may be to create chaos in opposition defences—using Maguire as a physical battering ram who can win duels, lay off balls to supporting attackers like Rashford and Garnacho, and draw defenders out of position.

 

With the injury woes surrounding key attackers and the slow return to form of some forwards, Amorim may view Maguire’s temporary shift as a creative stopgap—akin to how managers have historically used centre-backs like Chris Samba or Dion Dublin in emergency striker roles.

 

 

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Luke Shaw in a Hybrid Midfield Role

 

Just as striking is the report that Luke Shaw has been given a hybrid role, operating between left centre-back and central midfield. While Shaw is no stranger to overlapping runs and inverted full-back responsibilities under Ten Hag and Southgate, Amorim’s version is more nuanced.

 

In his 3-4-3 setup, the wing-backs tuck inside during buildup, effectively forming a midfield box. Shaw’s intelligence, composure on the ball, and defensive acumen make him an ideal candidate for this role. He could provide extra control in possession, disrupt Bilbao’s midfield rhythm, and allow more license for Bruno Fernandes and Mainoo to operate further forward.

 

Shaw’s repositioning is a nod to how modern football is evolving. Similar to what Pep Guardiola has done with John Stones or what Mikel Arteta has tried with Oleksandr Zinchenko, this role demands tactical discipline, but the benefits in transition and overloads can be massive.

 

 

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Kobbie Mainoo: The Bold Decision Finally Made

 

One of the most anticipated announcements leading up to the Athletic Bilbao fixture is Amorim’s decision on 19-year-old sensation Kobbie Mainoo. After a meteoric rise last season, the midfielder was central to United’s late push for European football. But questions have lingered about whether he’d be a rotation player or become the heartbeat of the new-look side.

 

According to multiple reports, Amorim has decided to build his midfield around Mainoo—entrusting him with a regular starting spot. This is a huge show of faith, and it fits with Amorim’s youth-centric philosophy. Mainoo’s composure, vision, and press resistance make him a dream fit in a two-man pivot alongside a more defensively-oriented partner, potentially Casemiro or the newly-signed João Neves.

 

Giving Mainoo this responsibility not only accelerates his development but also signals a changing of the guard in United’s midfield. Amorim is placing a bet on youth, technical skill, and tactical intelligence—three areas where Mainoo shines.

 

 

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Predicted XI vs Athletic Bilbao (3-4-3 Formation)

 

Goalkeeper:

André Onana – The Cameroonian remains United’s undisputed No. 1. His ball-playing skills will be crucial as Amorim demands building from the back.

 

Back Three:

Raphaël Varane – The experienced defender will marshal the backline with his calm leadership.

Lisandro Martínez – Adds aggression and passing range.

Victor Lindelöf – Preferred over Evans or Dalot in a wide centre-back role due to his composure.

 

Midfield Four (including wing-backs):

Diogo Dalot – As a right wing-back, he’ll be tasked with providing width and tracking back.

Casemiro – Acts as the deeper-lying pivot, offering protection and breaking up play.

Kobbie Mainoo – The creative heartbeat, dictating tempo and making third-man runs.

Luke Shaw – Inverted wing-back/midfield hybrid, adding balance and cover.

 

Front Three:

Alejandro Garnacho – Offers pace and directness from the left.

Harry Maguire – Shock inclusion as a striker; provides aerial threat and physicality.

Bruno Fernandes – Operating as a free-roaming right forward/No. 10 hybrid.

 

 

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Bench and Key Rotations

 

Expect players like Rasmus Højlund, Scott McTominay, and Amad Diallo to feature in the second half. Amorim is likely to experiment with different attacking setups as he figures out the best configuration ahead of the Premier League opener.

 

 

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What This Means Going Forward

 

Amorim’s decisions against Athletic Bilbao may be temporary experiments or part of a long-term vision. Either way, the boldness he’s showing—shuffling veterans like Shaw, repurposing Maguire, and handing the keys to Mainoo—speaks volumes about his confidence and ambition.

 

In a club long defined by tradition and expectations, Amorim is daring to disrupt the norm. Whether or not it works on the pitch, one thing is certain: Manchester United under Ruben Amorim wil

l not be boring.

 

 

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