Firstly, I think only one of the two WB slots will be occupied by a player one would traditionally consider to be a defender, fullback or wingback. I think the other slot will be taken by a player who is more naturally a wide attacker, such as Garnacho or Antony.
Secondly, I think one of the 3 CB slots can and will be intermittently filled by a wide defender like Mazroui or Shaw (when fit). I don’t think it’ll always be three traditional CBs, whether by availability or design.
Thirdly, Amorim essentially plays a box midfield with four central midfielders. Two at the base, two at the top. They are expected to function as a unit and be hardworking and disciplined. From what I’ve also seen they are also expected to be very front foot aggressive, they are also expected to be technically proficient. The best and most likely quartet seems very clear to me, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mount and Fernandes. With Casemiro, Amad and Eriksen (in that order) being the rotational options.
Up front he’s going to want a voracious runner. Someone who looks to get in behind, and will run the channels. Real tip of the spear stuff. With the ability to hold the ball up well to relieve pressure. Hojlund is by far and away the best fit for that system, despite his relative lack of experience and early development stage. The obvious rotational candidate for him would be Rashford, whose proclivity for playing off the shoulder and running in behind, makes him somewhat suitable for how Amorim plays. I can’t see Rashford playing as an AM, he simply doesn’t have the work rate or tactical brain to do so.
So young players? I don’t think there are many great options immediately available. But at a push I would say Amass maybe, but I think we’d play a winger there before an inexperienced defender; and Gore. Gore has the natural game to play as one of the base two in midfield. Collyer is more static and defensive minded, and I think Gore will leapfrog him now he’s back to fitness.
