Ruben Amorim’s first training session at Manchester United has shown he is sticking to his guns when it comes to sticking to his preferred 3-4-3 formation.

However, finding the right personnel to adapt to his methods at the start will not be too easy as a number of United stars are currently out.

Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro, who both recently returned from long-term injuries, were tried on the left and right sides of the backline with Jonny Evans playing in the middle.

Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire are all sidelined and Amorim faces a dearth of quality options at the back. And the Portuguese coach is looking to fix this going forward.

Diomanding race

The likes of Lindelof, Maguire and Evans are unlikely to be at the club for too long and the former Sporting Lisbon manager is eyeing one of his protégés to come in and solve the problem.

Ousmane Diomandeone of Amorim’s trusted defenders in Lisbon, is a target for both the Red Devils and bitter rivals Manchester City.

Amorim has already promised he will not come in for any Sporting star in January and that has given City the chance to swoop in and steal the Ivorian’s signature.

As revealed by Sky SportsHugo Viana, sporting director of Sporting, who will soon join City, is pushing City’s cause for the Ivory Coast international.

“Already on Manchester City’s radar while playing at FC Midtjylland, the Skyblues have targeted Diomandé as a priority. Hugo Viana has already prepared his plan of attack to convince Sporting Lisbon’s president, Frederico Varandas.

City vs United for Diomande

“If Ruben Amorim has promised that Manchester United will not sign any of his former players in January, the Portuguese technician should still be careful not to be overtaken in the race for the sexiest centre-back at the moment.

“Diomandé has already spoken to Amorim. Joining a coach who made him so strong would be beneficial for his development, and Diomandé knows it, as Portuguese sources have confirmed to us. The player’s will goes towards red… but will City to present strong arguments in advance in January to turn the situation around?”

The 20-year-old is a physical specimen, standing at 6ft 3in, and has a £70million release clause. He had kept 10 clean sheets last term and has already racked up seven this season.

Hopefully City don’t overtake United in January with INEOS having already announced that Amorim will have a very limited budget to work with going forward. There are other clubs that ArsenalBayern Munich also in the fray.