(3-4-3) Maguire as a Striker, Like Shaw Given New Role to Play – Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Athletic Bilbao as Ruben Amorim Finally Makes Bold Decision on Kobbie Mainoo
In what could be one of the boldest and most talked-about tactical experiments in recent Manchester United history, new boss Ruben Amorim is reportedly preparing to unveil a radical new system ahead of the club’s high-stakes preseason clash against Athletic Bilbao. The rumored 3-4-3 formation not only represents a sharp departure from United’s traditional setups, but also includes stunning positional changes—most notably Harry Maguire being deployed as a striker, and Luke Shaw handed a reinvented role in midfield.
To add to the intrigue, Amorim is said to have made a definitive decision regarding Kobbie Mainoo’s position and role, marking a new chapter for the young star who has rapidly become a fan favorite.
Here’s a deep dive into the predicted lineup, the reasoning behind the bold moves, and what it could mean for the club moving forward.
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A New Era: Amorim Brings Tactical Revolution
Since being announced as the new Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim has spoken openly about the need for innovation, courage, and tactical freedom—qualities the team has sorely lacked in recent seasons. With several underwhelming campaigns behind them and the club’s identity hanging in the balance, Amorim seems determined to shake things up from the get-go.
And shake things up he has.
Reports from Carrington suggest that in preparation for the Bilbao match, Amorim has spent the past week drilling the squad in a fluid 3-4-3 system, one that allows for inverted full-backs, overlapping center-backs, and even positional rotations during matches.
But nothing has grabbed headlines more than his decision to trial Harry Maguire in a striking role.
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Maguire as a Striker: Tactical Gimmick or Masterstroke?
To the casual fan, Maguire playing up front sounds like a desperate gimmick. But for Amorim, it’s a calculated move rooted in logic and observation. Maguire, often criticized for his lack of agility in defense, has a unique set of attributes that make him a surprising but interesting choice in attack: he’s strong in the air, physically dominant, and possesses a knack for being in the right place during set pieces.
In training, Maguire has reportedly been working closely with attacking coaches, practicing hold-up play, late runs into the box, and link-up passes.
> “He may not be our long-term striker,” a source close to the club noted, “but in certain situations—especially against high-pressing sides or when chasing a game—he can be an unorthodox but effective option.”
Given Bilbao’s aggressive pressing style, Amorim may be planning to use Maguire as a decoy target man, allowing Rashford and Garnacho to exploit space behind the lines.
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Shaw in a New Role: From Full-Back to Midfield Architect?
Like Maguire, Luke Shaw has also been handed a new brief. No longer just a left-back, Shaw is expected to operate as a left-sided central midfielder or inverted wing-back, giving United much-needed balance and creativity from deep.
This is not entirely unprecedented—Shaw has often drifted into midfield during attacking phases under previous managers. But Amorim’s twist is to make this shift permanent.
With his vision, ball retention, and defensive awareness, Shaw could become United’s version of Oleksandr Zinchenko or Joao Cancelo—players who blur the lines between defender and playmaker.
His inclusion in the midfield four, alongside a now-pivotal Kobbie Mainoo, could reshape United’s tempo and control.
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Amorim’s Call on Mainoo: Finally a Defined Role
Perhaps the most crucial decision Amorim has made involves Kobbie Mainoo, the teenage midfielder who broke into the first team last season with a series of mature and technically impressive performances.
Instead of deploying him as a utility midfielder—something United have been guilty of—Amorim has reportedly given Mainoo a defined role as a deep-lying playmaker, similar to the one João Palhinha plays at Sporting.
Mainoo is expected to anchor the midfield, dictate tempo, and serve as the primary link between defense and attack. His passing range, composure, and intelligence make him well-suited to this role, and Amorim sees him as one of the foundational pieces of his long-term project at the club.
> “Kobbie is special,” Amorim told club insiders. “But special talents need structure. He’ll have one job, and he’ll master it.”
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Predicted XI vs Athletic Bilbao (3-4-3 Formation):
Goalkeeper:
André Onana – Despite recent inconsistency, he remains Amorim’s clear No.1, vital for playing out from the back.
Back Three:
Lisandro Martínez (LCB) – Aggressive, composed, and able to step into midfield when needed.
Raphaël Varane (CB) – Trusted for his experience, likely to lead the line.
Diogo Dalot (RCB) – Amorim has experimented with Dalot in a hybrid center-back role due to his versatility.
Midfield Four:
Luke Shaw (LM/CM) – Inverted role, supporting both defense and build-up play.
Kobbie Mainoo (CDM) – The central pivot, anchoring the team’s rhythm.
Bruno Fernandes (CM) – Freed from defensive burdens, allowed to roam and create.
Antony (RM) – Wide and direct, providing width and stretching Bilbao’s defense.
Front Three:
Garnacho (LW) – Electric pace, expected to cut inside and exploit the gaps.
Harry Maguire (CF) – The surprise striker, tasked with aerial duels and hold-up play.
Marcus Rashford (RW) – Positioned to take advantage of spaces created by Maguire’s physical presence.
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What This Means for United Moving Forward
Ruben Amorim’s decisions are not just tactical—they are symbolic. Moving Maguire up front and redefining Shaw and Mainoo’s roles signals a complete departure from the club’s recent reactive mindset. Instead of simply surviving games, United now look set to experiment, evolve, and challenge conventional roles.
This transformation may not deliver instant results, but it signals a willingness to embrace the unknown—and in modern football, that can be the difference between stagnation and glory.
For now, all eyes turn to the Bilbao match. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely—not just for the scoreline, but for signs that Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, are fina
lly ready to redefine themselves.
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