"They will not be able to cope" - Jaime Carragher names Manchester United duo who 'can’t' play together under newly-appointed coach Ruben Amorim

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher believes Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt cannot play together for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager is all set to take over as the Red Devils' new head coach next week.

Amorim is likely to implement his three-man backline once he takes charge at Old Trafford. Manchester United signed De Ligt from Bayern Munich this summer and he has mostly partnered Lisandro Martinez in the defense this season.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Carragher insisted that a back-three with the Englishman and the Dutchman could get exposed.

“I actually think Martínez in this position, I’ve mentioned this before, it might suit him [as he] gives you that balance with a left foot,” said Carragher.

He continued:

“I can’t see De Ligt or Maguire being in the wide positions; they can’t. They will not be able to cope. So, I don’t think De Ligt or Maguire could play in the same back three because whoever was in the wide position will get really exposed.”

Carragher, however, added that Leny Yoro could be a good fit alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez at the back.

“Now, Yoro, coming in as a young player, he’s a project for the club. You’d want to work with him, get him in, young player, probably can deal with maybe the pace down the sides of it as well. So, but they’ve got the numbers if there’s injuries or suspensions, we know they’ve got that,” said Carragher.

Manchester United will face Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday (November 10).

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Will Manchester United strengthen their backline in 2025?

Goncalo Inacio

Manchester United could be tempted to further bolster their backline in 2025. The Red Devils backline has been exposed this season in the games against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

Manchester United conceded three goals in each game, hinting that there's still work left to be done at the back. Ruben Amorim, as such, could be tempted to reinvest in the defense at the end of this season.

A recent report has suggested that the Red Devils could raid Sporting CP for some of Amorim's current players, including Goncalo Inacio. The 23-year-old defender has been outstanding under Portuguese manager so far and is under contract until 2027.

Inacio has appeared 15 times across competitions already this season, helping register eight clean sheets for Sporting CP. The Premier League giants are now aiming to secure his services for £50 million next summer.