Amorim could mix things up further by moving the Dutchman to the central centre-back position and Maguire to the left. Maguire has experience playing as the left-sided defender in a three for England and Hull City but he is more of a ball-carrying centre-back than a passer.

Ruben Amorim took control of a bad Manchester United team and somehow made them worse. Sir Jim Ratcliffe will not have the patience to let him persist much longer without better results.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim admitted limiting January signings to just two players was a "big risk," prioritising long-term stability over quick fixes, despite United's struggles and a growing injury crisis,