Ruben Amorim included several academy stars in his Manchester United training session ahead of the trip to play Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United will look to build on their impressive away form when they travel to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, in a fixture that could have major implications for the Premier League title race.
Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled to see out matches at Old Trafford in recent weeks, most notably conceding three equalisers in Monday night’s thrilling 4–4 draw with Bournemouth. In contrast, their performances away from home have been far more consistent.
United have been unbeaten on the road since late September, recording notable victories over Liverpool and Crystal Palace, along with draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.
That run will face its toughest test at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side are riding a nine-game Premier League winning streak and sit just three points behind leaders Arsenal, with Villa likely to view an inconsistent United as another opportunity to make home advantage count.
United will also be without several key players for the trip. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui are away on international duty at AFCON, while Casemiro is suspended. Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire remain sidelined through injury.
Every United academy star spotted in training for Villa
With United missing several important players, including those who have headed to AFCON, others will need to step up and Amorim could finally turn to the academy to help in games.
The United boss has been criticised for the lack of involvement for academy players, with Kobbie Mainoo still not starting a game in the league this term.
Mainoo was expectedly in the session ahead of Villa, and he could be in line for his first start with Casemiro unavailable, but there were several other players from the youth sides involved too.
Shea Lacey was pictured at Carrington and he has been in several matchday squads this term. With the absences of Mbeumo and Amad, he will be hoping to make his debut soon.
Tyler Fredricson, Jack Fletcher, Bendito Mantato and Godwill Kukonki were all pictured training with Amorim’s squad too. Jaydan Kamason was involved as well after his recent return from injury.
All of these players have been in and around the first-team squad under Amorim in recent months but only Fredricson has received a debut. The others will be hoping they can push for a chance while United are missing key players.
This is a testing period for United and Amorim
United are only playing in two competitions this term and the injury problems have not been that bad, but this will be a testing period for the team and manager.
Without Amad, there is no senior player who can be an attack-minded wingback and that is exactly why there have been rumours of an adjustment to a back four.
As mentioned, Amorim has also been majorly questioned about his use of the academy and that will only continue if none are afforded chances during this period.
Villa are an extremely tough outfit and youngsters won’t be thrown in that game, but they could be involved in the squad and Amorim should not be afraid to roll the dice in the second half more often when it comes to introducing unpredictable and hungry talents from the academy.
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