Manchester United Shake Up Lineup With New Formations Ahead of Bournemouth Clash

Manchester United’s Tactical Overhaul for Bournemouth Test

Manchester United fans looking for signs of a fresh start under Ruben Amorim are getting exactly that. For the upcoming Premier League Summer Series face-off with Bournemouth, Amorim isn't just tweaking the squad—he's flipping the script. With some regular starters missing and a handful of players in new spots, this lineup will give supporters plenty to talk about.

Let’s go straight to the most eye-catching change. Amorim is rolling out a new back three—an idea that’s been mulled over in training but hasn’t seen much daylight yet. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, who both played as substitutes last time out, are set to step in from kickoff. The third slot is a toss-up between young Tyler Fredricson, eager to show what he can do, and the experienced Matheus de Ligt. Amorim’s thinking here is obvious: get tall, disciplined defenders on the pitch and use their experience to set the tone at the back. United’s defense has been under scrutiny, and a more solid core might just be what the club needs to plug leaks from last season.

Moving outside, Amad Diallo could be in for his biggest test yet. Amorim’s idea of using Amad as a wing-back isn’t just bold—it’s downright adventurous. Normally deployed upfield, Amad’s speed and direct running might turn him into a serious threat down the flank. The hope is that he’ll stretch Bournemouth’s defense and send in dangerous crosses for Rasmus Højlund up front. Instead of playing it safe with a typical full-back, Amorim wants dynamism—and Amad’s certainly got it.

Cunha, Fernandes, and a Revamped Attack

In attack, it looks like Amorim is chasing a high-tempo, creative edge. Matheus Cunha, known for his slick movement and instinct in tight areas, is set to play just behind Højlund but a little ahead of Bruno Fernandes. This should give United an unpredictable triangle—one where Cunha can ghost into the box while Bruno picks passes and keeps the midfield ticking. Amorim has stressed that Fernandes and Cunha need to find some chemistry fast if United are going to make the formation work both in preseason and into the serious business of the league.

Goalkeeping gets a shake-up too. With André Onana nursing a hamstring issue, Altay Bayındır is stepping in. Supporters have seen flashes of Bayındır in cup games, but this run could be his chance to impress and push for more minutes during the regular campaign. In midfield, Casemiro will be the shield, with Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal looking to show they can handle bigger roles. It’s a big ask for Iqbal, but these preseason games are all about young players making their mark.

• No Lisandro Martínez in this one—his recovery continues.
• Bryan Mbeumo, the recent signing everyone’s excited about, will have to wait for his debut.

The predicted XI goes like this: Bayındır; Fredricson/Maguire/Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Amad; Fernandes, Cunha; Højlund.

On the Bournemouth side, things won’t be simple for United’s new setup. Their defense has been patched up since Kepa Arrizabalaga’s departure, pushing Bournemouth into their own tactical shuffle. It’ll be a real test of United’s newfound width, pressing, and—most of all—the ability of this lineup to gel when it’s not just a training ground drill. United fans may not be getting debuts or all their first-choice stars, but they will get an early look at Amorim’s vision. Now the only question is: can these changes deliver something special?