Grand plans are being drawn up for the future of Manchester United, yet in the present, Ruben Amorim’s men face arguably the most pivotal game of the season so far at home to Real Sociedad later today.
With the Europa League now providing the only realistic route to European qualification ahead of next season, progression is of paramount importance, with the game finely poised following last week’s 1-1 draw in San Sebastian.
United, on the night, were made to pay for their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal after being pegged back by a late Mikel Oyarzabal penalty, with that wasteful nature also on show at the weekend, amid the stalemate with Arsenal.
Having scored just one goal in each of their last three outings in all competitions, the Red Devils – backed by an expectant Old Trafford crowd – need to find their shooting boots at some stage.
Unfortunately for Amorim, the Portuguese coach will have slim pickings once again when it comes to team selection.
Man Utd team news
As was reported following the FA Cup clash with Fulham, 17-year-old striker Chido Obi is ineligible to feature on the continent having been left off United’s Europa League squad, although fellow teenager, Ayden Heaven, is available after his inclusion in the club’s ‘A’ list.
The lack of attacking depth has also been exposed following the loss of Amad to injury last month, although the United boss did tease that the Ivorian could potentially return at some stage, prior to the end of the season.
Elsewhere, tonight’s outing is likely to come too soon for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount, although the latter man is returning to first-team training.
Meanwhile, Amorim confirmed that Harry Maguire will not be in contention, after the Englishman’s absence since the meeting with the Cottagers, although he could return for Sunday’s trip to face former club Leicester City.
Speaking of centre-backs, Leny Yoro is also unavailable after the Frenchman limped off at half-time last time out, although, on a positive note, Manuel Ugarte – who has also been absent since the FA Cup encounter – is “in the squad”, according to Amorim.
Chalkboard
While those continued absentees may ensure the side largely picks itself, particularly defensively, the former Sporting CP boss could make a key alteration in the forward line.
Why Amorim must drop Joshua Zirkzee
Considering it was Joshua Zirkzee who opened the scoring a week ago, it might seem a bold call to drop the Dutchman back to the bench, yet it could be wise to consider unleashing him in the second half instead.
With Alejandro Garnacho enjoying his “best game” under Amorim last time out, as per his manager, and with Rasmus Hojlund enjoying a strong record in the Europa League this season, after netting five times in the league phase, the young pairing should seemingly start together again in attack.
Of course, Zirkzee could make up the final role in that attacking trio, in place of Christian Eriksen, yet with senior attackers limited, Amorim may wish to at least have one game-changer available to him.
Equally, as the former Bologna man showcased on Sunday, he simply is not capable of starting ahead of Hojlund as the leading number nine, with the 23-year-old replaced in the closing stages after losing the ball ten times from just 23 touches, while winning just one of his seven duels, as per Sofascore.
With Hojlund – who was perhaps afforded something of a rest at the weekend – having the pace to stretch the Sociedad defence, Zirkzee could then offer a valuable alternative late on.
Player (Club)
Games
Goals
Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiakos)
8
7
Malick Fofana (Lyon)
8
6
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
7
6
Vaclav Cerny (Rangers)
9
6
Kasper Hogh (Bodo/Glimt)
9
6
Barnabas Varga (Ferencvaros)
8
6
Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahce)
11
6
Samu Omorodion (Porto)
9
6
Rasmus Hojlund (Man Utd)
9
5
Yunus Akgun (Galatasaray)
8
5
Indeed, there may be wisdom in Amorim opting to unleash Toby Collyer later today instead, with the Englishman having made an impact off the bench against the Gunners, after teeing up Hojlund with a clever pull-back.
The former Brighton and Hove Albion starlet could be a wildcard pick in a more advanced berth, while he may also be a solution alongside the ageing Casemiro, ensuring Bruno Fernandes can slot in as one of the two number ten’s once again.
Either way, Collyer’s energy and exuberance could be vital as United look to take the game to the LaLiga side from the off, with his former youth coach Mark Beard describing the 21-year-old as “like a Kante” due to his “astronomical” running stats.
That Kante-like quality was also on show against Mikel Arteta’s side as he won 100% of his ground duels, while also registering a 100% pass accuracy, showcasing his ability to cover ground effectively, while also keeping things neat and tidy in possession.
Having that extra athleticism could then allow the likes of Fernandes and Garnacho to prioritise their attacking contributions, while it could also cover any weaknesses in Casemiro’s game, with the Brazilian still warranting a starting berth after an encouraging last outing, where he won 12 duels in total.
That bold selection call would then provide Amorim with the likes of Zirkzee, Eriksen and the returning Ugarte as options to call upon to change the game, as United chase what would be a vital result amid an otherwise dismal season.
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