Manchester United has really lost a partnership this season, and Ruben Amorim can bring it back.

It is likely that Ruben Amorim will use a different system when he takes over Manchester United for the first time next Sunday at Ipswich Town.

His well-known 3-4-3 formation won him prizes in Portugal, and he has already hinted that he doesn’t plan to change it at United, which was something that people said about his predecessor, Erik ten Hag.

So, the wing-back position is a very important part of Amorim’s scheme, and his arrival could happen at the same time that England left-back Luke Shaw returns, which would be great.

Shaw has done well as a wing-back for England. He scored in the EURO 2020 final at Wembley because of how well he does in that role for his country.

The 29-year-old hasn’t played for United since February 18, when they beat Luton Town 2-1 away from home. Since then, they haven’t had a regular left back because Tyrell Malacia has been hurt.

But Shaw is back in training, and his return might not happen until after the international break. Shaw is a natural fit for the left wing-back position, so it would be a great time for Amorim.

It might also bring out the best in Marcus Rashford, who hasn’t been able to match his great form from the 2022–23 season over the last 18 months.

Rashford scored 30 goals and set up 11 others during a season in which United finished third in the Premier League and made it to both domestic cup finals. However, over a longer length of time, he has only scored 12 goals and set up 11 others.

Because of his drop in form, he is no longer in the England team. One of Amorim’s main jobs is to get the 27-year-old back to playing his best.

Rashford will be more motivated now that both his club and his country have a new boss. Working together with Shaw again should also help.

It is not an accident that Rashford’s performance has been declining since Shaw has not been playing on the left side and there has not been a natural left back playing with him either.

Even though Rashford’s job will be different and more backwards in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system than it was in Ten Hag’s 4-3-3 system, their relationship on the left side will still be important.

Shaw might need to stay healthy for Rashford to do well and for Amorim to get off to a good start at United. But that’s a big “if.” He will have a lot better chances in the beginning of his job if he can get the two to play down the left side this month.