One Manchester United star has continued one of his worrying signs into his international duty matches with a poor performance last time out.
Manchester United have improved under Rúben Amorim to the point where fans can now begin to get excited about the prospect of returning to European football next season after a year out. However, it isn’t perfect just yet.
The summer signings have made a drastic difference to United’s performance. Senne Lammens, who signed on Deadline Day from Royal Antwerp, has been immense in between the sticks since he displaced Altay Bayindir against Sunderland.
Bryan Mbeumo has also been crucial for Amorim. The former Brentford forward has already netted six goals and registered one assist since he joined United, forming a good partnership with fellow summer signing Matheus Cunha.
Amorim’s recent tactical tweak in midfield has been another key reason behind United’s upturn in form. Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro – the outside central defenders in Amorim’s back three formation – have begun to follow their marker into midfield, meaning Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes aren’t overloaded in a four against two.
However, many improvements are still needed if United are to make a real challenge for the Champions League spots this season. Amorim will be looking for more from one player in particular if United are to mount a challenge.
Cunha continues worrying trend on international duty
While Cunha has shown signs of why United paid £62.5 million in the summer, he is yet to reach the heights that Amorim would’ve hoped. If Benjamin Šeško hadn’t gone off with an injury against Tottenham Hotspur, Cunha may have found himself on the bench, but he may return to centre-forward after the international break.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker has shown his “excellent close control” in a United shirt, but has yet to showcase his full potential due to his struggles in front of goal. Cunha has only scored one goal since moving to Old Trafford, despite playing in 11 of 12 United matches this season.
For Brazil, Cunha started as the central striker against Senegal in a 2-0 win for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. While he did find himself in several goal-scoring opportunities, Cunha failed to score and continued his worrying struggles in front of goal in the Premier League.
After the game, Goal said on Cunha’s performance: “[He] will wonder how he came away without a goal. Got himself in good positions but narrowly missed two massive chances in the opening 15 minutes.”
Casemiro, who also started the match, was much more impressive. Goal awarded him an 8/10 and said: “Screened his defenders well, calm in possession and took his goal beautifully.” The Brazilian looks set to keep Manuel Ugarte out of the side with brilliant showings like that.
Mount set to be given a run
At the start of the season, Mason Mount started in the front three, alongside Cunha and Mbeumo, with Šeško on the bench. When Šeško was deemed ready to start, Mount was dropped to the bench, but he has continued to impress when given the chance to start.
Mount was named on the bench against Brighton and Nottingham Forest after picking up a knock after the 2-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield. He returned to action in the repeat of the Europa League final from the bench, setting up Šeško with two great chances, although neither was converted.
With Šeško looking likely to miss the game, Mount could be set for a start on the left side of attacking midfield, with Cunha moving through the middle. However, Joshua Zirkzee could be in line for his first start of the season, with Cunha keeping his place as the left No.10.
Even if Mount doesn’t start against Everton after the break, he will be crucial during the African Cup of Nations when United will be without Amad, Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui.
Mount will be looking to form a partnership with Patrick Dorgu on the left flank, like Amad and Mbeumo have on the right. If he can get back to his Chelsea form, he could be a huge threat for United.
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