(4-2-3-1) Benjamin Šeško Official Debut, Martínez Back from Injury: Predicted Manchester United Line-Up vs Fiorentina – As Rúben Amorim Starts His First-Team XI for the First Time
The pre-season is over. The experiments are done. The fitness tests, trial formations, and rotating lineups have served their purpose. Now, it’s time for Manchester United to reveal their first-choice XI, and all signs point to manager Rúben Amorim rolling out his strongest line-up yet against Fiorentina in what promises to be a highly anticipated final warm-up before the new season kicks off.
The headline? Benjamin Šeško is set to make his official debut in a Manchester United shirt. The £58 million striker has been training with the team for weeks, but now, fans will finally get their first real glimpse of the Slovenian star in action.
And if that wasn’t exciting enough, Lisandro Martínez returns from injury, adding leadership and steel to the backline. For the first time, we’ll see Amorim’s vision in full—with his preferred formation, style, and personnel all aligned.
—
🧠 Amorim’s Tactical Blueprint: 4-2-3-1 Is the Chosen System
Despite flirting with a 4-3-3 and even a back three in training, Amorim looks set to go with the familiar 4-2-3-1, a system that offers the perfect blend of structure, creativity, and fluidity—especially with the players now at his disposal.
The double pivot provides defensive cover and balance, while the attacking trio behind Šeško will be tasked with dynamic movement, high pressing, and feeding the new No. 9 with consistent service.
Here’s the predicted starting XI vs Fiorentina, with tactical breakdowns:
—
🔴 Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
—
🧤 Goalkeeper: André Onana
No surprises here. Onana is Amorim’s clear No. 1 and is essential to the build-up from the back. His confidence on the ball and quick distribution will be key against Fiorentina’s aggressive midfield press.
—
🛡️ Defenders
RB: Diogo Dalot
Dalot keeps his place as he continues to impress with his attacking support and tactical awareness. Amorim prefers full-backs who can invert and overload midfield, and Dalot fits the profile.
CB: Raphaël Varane
Still a rock at the back when fit, Varane’s experience will be vital in helping Šeško settle in—especially during transitions and defensive organization.
CB: Lisandro Martínez
Back from injury and already looking sharp in training, Martínez is more than just a defender—he’s a distributor, leader, and emotional anchor. Expect him to bring fire and precision back to United’s back line.
LB: Luke Shaw
First-choice and undroppable. Shaw will be tasked with providing width, delivering crosses to Šeško, and shutting down Fiorentina’s tricky wingers.
—
⚙️ Midfielders
CDM: Carlos Baleba
The young signing from Lille has been a standout in training and offers energy, tackling, and vertical ball progression. With Casemiro managing match fitness, Baleba slots in seamlessly.
CDM: Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo continues to prove he’s ready for full-time first-team football. His intelligence, composure, and ability to link defense and attack make him the ideal partner for Baleba in the pivot.
—
🎨 Attacking Midfield Trio
RW: Antony
With Amorim placing emphasis on width and pressing, Antony’s work rate and one-on-one ability give him the edge over Amad and Pellistri. This is a big game for him to prove consistency.
CAM: Bruno Fernandes (C)
The heartbeat of the team. Fernandes remains the primary creator and emotional leader. With Šeško now ahead of him, expect Bruno to be firing passes into channels, pressing Fiorentina’s pivot, and orchestrating transitions.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho
Explosive, fearless, and unpredictable—Garnacho is tipped to start ahead of Marcus Rashford, who is still returning to full fitness. His directness could create space for Šeško in central areas.
—
🎯 ST: Benjamin Šeško (Debut)
The moment fans have waited for—Šeško makes his official debut. Standing at 6’5”, he offers height, aerial threat, and intelligent movement. His link-up play with Fernandes and ability to finish in tight spaces could be the missing piece in United’s attack.
> “I’m ready. I’ve waited my whole life for this kind of opportunity. Now, I want to show the fans what I can do,” Šeško said in a recent pre-match interview.
—
🔄 Substitutes to Watch
Rasmus Højlund – May come on late to play alongside Šeško or as a replacement.
Christian Eriksen – A valuable midfield option to control tempo if needed.
Mason Mount – Offers high energy and pressing from midfield.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – A defensive change if United are protecting a lead.
Marcus Rashford – May get 30 minutes as he ramps up to full fitness.
—
⚔️ Key Tactical Focus Areas vs Fiorentina
1. Šeško’s Movement vs Fiorentina’s Backline
The Italian side’s defense tends to sit deep and compact. Šeško’s aerial presence could be a major asset here, especially if Garnacho and Antony deliver quality service.
2. Bruno’s Role Between the Lines
With Baleba and Mainoo behind him, Fernandes will be free to roam. His job will be to disrupt Fiorentina’s midfield structure, creating chaos and feeding runners.
3. Martínez’s Distribution
Martínez’s long diagonal balls could unlock width instantly. His return not only strengthens the defense but adds another layer to United’s buildup.
—
👥 Fiorentina Threats to Watch
Fiorentina, known for their technical midfield and possession-based style, will test United’s defensive organization. Keep an eye on:
Nicolás González – A dynamic winger who loves cutting in.
Antonín Barák – Their creative playmaker.
M’Bala Nzola – A physical striker who could test Martínez and Varane.
Amorim’s pressing structure and double pivot will need to work in harmony to cut supply lines early.
—
🗣️ Amorim on the Starting XI
> “This is the team we’ve been working towards. Of course, we’re still learning and growing, but I want to see how the full group performs together. Fiorentina is a good test.”
—
🏁 Final Thoughts: The Šeško Era Begins
There’s something symbolic about this match. Not only does it signal the end of pre-season, but it marks the true beginning of a new Manchester United era under Rúben Amorim—with Benjamin Šeško front and center.
For the first time, we’ll see Amorim’s strongest lineup on the field. There’s anticipation, excitement, and expectation in equal measure.
Can Šeško score on his debut? Will Martínez bring calm to the defense again? Is this the foundation of a team ready to fight for major silverware?
We’re about to find out.
Leave a Reply