Luke Shaw could be handed new Manchester United role by Ruben Amorim

The excitement is building as Manchester United fans wait patiently to get a glimpse of their new-look side against Ipswich Town this weekend.

While there needs to be an element of caution towards Ruben Amorim's first match in charge, and just how much change he has been able to implement in such a short space, with a limited squad at his disposal, it is hard not to be excited by the potential of their new era.

Amorim has already insisted 'identity' is the most important thing for him to bring to the club, though it might take time before he successfully manages to implement his game model during a season. The head coach has also played down the importance of his 3-4-3 formation, reiterating the success of any side comes from the character of their players, but there is no escaping the fact they might not have the personnel required to make his tactical demands work right away.

United are already targeting both a left wing-back and a striker next year, and could even move for loan options in the January transfer window if they feel a new addition could be a deciding factor in determining the success of their campaign. The most important of those looks to be a wing-back, with concerns over the fitness of both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia and their injury records.

Álvaro Fernández Carreras, Milos Kerkez and Alphonso Davies have all been linked a potential move to Old Trafford next summer, while teenage hopeful Harry Amass is also viewed as someone who could provide back-up if required in the coming months.

You might thing it spells the end for Shaw in a United shirt, but despite his fitness issues, there is still reason why he can be a valuable asset to Amorim, not only at wing-back but also in a central position. The 29-year-old has actually played some of his best football for the club as an auxiliary centre-back both when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer experimented with a three at the back formation and even on a number of occasions for Erik ten Hag, including a masterclass against Erling Haaland in a Manchester derby win at the start of last year.

With an anticipated switch to a back three under Amorim, there will be even greater importance on having appropriate cover for Lisandro Martinez in the left centre-back role, given how a left-footer in defence can open up completely different passing avenues and allow for more varied build-up play. Ten Hag often spoke of how integral Martinez was to his side's style of play, while Louis van Gaal also favoured a left-footed centre-back as part of his back three because he deemed it essential to the balance of his team.

United never used to gain enough from playing the England international in a central role, because despite his own talents, it meant there was a huge drop-off in quality at left-back instead. However, if they do indeed sign a new starter in that position, it could be in a central role where he proves his worth once again and wins back a fanbase who have started to lose patience with his perpetual fitness issues.

Shaw might eventually lose his starting spot, but he could soon be given a new role under Amorim.