Amorim does not rotate to plan for the long term, though. He has stated previously it is simply to reduce the likelihood of injuries so he does not have bigger issues in the short and medium term. The amount of rotation also reflects on his demands with the increase in intensity another new aspect for the players.

How Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United start compares to his recent predecessors - United go into Christmas in the bottom half of the table – 13th – for the first time in the Premier League era.