Battle at the back for places

While injuries and suspensions must always be accounted for, it is encouraging that the fierce competition for places in the backline should ensure everybody will need to be at the peak of their powers in order to make the starting line-up.

With no European competition and, therefore, fewer games, it should pose something of a welcome headache for Amorim, starting when he names his XI for the Premier League opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford next month.

One positive in this area is the emergence of Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson as options. Heaven adapted quickly, following his move from Arsenal, while homegrown product Fredricson produced a nerveless senior debut during the home game against Wolves last term.

Heaven may still only 18 but started against West Ham United at the weekend, and even earned the penalty when he was brought down in the box early on by Alphonse Areola.

A confident defender, he will be looking to push on and gain as many minutes as possible.

Fredricson, 20, was one of the 10 outfield substitutes in New Jersey and certainly impressed in the fitness tests in pre-season training.

Leny Yoro is still a teenager himself but big things are expected of the classy centre-back in 2025/26.

A number of excellent performances, particularly in the Europa League, showcased his enormous potential last season, and his accurate long passing and ability to glide forward in possession have been evident again during the games against Leeds United and the Hammers.

Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui may have been full-backs by trade but could both be primed to operate in one of the three slots, as has often been the case. Shaw has returned to fitness and brings experience and, in Amorim's words, "world-class" ability to the left-hand side. So technically proficient, he is ideal to begin moves from that position.

Morocco international Mazraoui enjoyed a good first season at Old Trafford and his versatility has been extremely useful. Although missing the opening Premier League Summer Series fixture with a knock, he is in any discussion for a starting spot when the league campaign gets under way.

Perhaps the two leading protagonists for the central role in the system are Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.

De Ligt produced a tour-de-force display at the MetLife Stadium, including one spell where he appeared to be rebutting a series of West Ham attacks, while he was unlucky not to score with a header from a Bruno Fernandes cross. The Dutchman is fit again after being cruelly forced out of the end of last term, and the Europa League final in Bilbao, and has started the pre-season well.

Maguire remains a consistent, dependable top-quality choice whose contribution to the cause was warmly appreciated by the United fans, prior to coming on in the second half. Such a big character and influence, he is certain to play a huge part again and the fact he is such a threat in opposing boxes is a pleasing bonus.

It is important not to forget that Lisandro Martinez is working his way back from a knee injury and will also be in the mix, presumably a little further down the line, while Reece Munro is part of the tour squad and is one of a number of youngsters in the pipeline who can operate in the three positions.

Picking three from the seven senior options available at the moment – De Ligt, Fredricson, Heaven, Maguire, Mazraoui, Shaw and Yoro – is extremely difficult and that has got to be a good sign going into the new campaign.

The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.