Rúben Amorim has several big calls to make for the Liverpool clash this weekend, but one “exceptional” star must start.
Manchester United are preparing for a short trip to Anfield this weekend, as Rúben Amorim continues to face doubts from some fans, as well as the media. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly backed the former Sporting CP manager in a recent interview.
Amorim will be looking to repay Ratcliffe’s backing when his side takes on Liverpool this weekend, as he also looks to build on the positive momentum from the Sunderland win before the international break.
Senne Lammens made his United debut against the newly promoted side last time out and would be unlucky to lose his place to Altay Bayindir. Both goalkeepers were away on international duty, but United fans will be more confident if Lammens is picked due to his solid performance against Sunderland.
The goalkeeper situation is just one of several big decisions for Amorim this weekend. Midfield remains a serious problem for United, while a returning defender could look to start in the back three or at wing-back.
Mount must keep his place ahead of Cunha
Mason Mount started ahead of Matheus Cunha against Sunderland on the left side of attacking midfield, returning to the starting lineup for the first time since United’s 3-2 win against Burnley. Cunha started the season as the striker, with Benjamin Šeško on the bench, and that could be another option for this weekend.
Unlike the former Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker, Mount has “exceptional” pressing skills and defensive work rate, allowing Amorim to switch to a 4-4-2 without the ball against Sunderland.
Liverpool are one of the most attacking sides in European football this season and will overload United if Amorim reverts to his old out-of-possession structure of a 5-2-3.
Mount’s work rate will prove crucial as the left No.10 will have to track Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, or Dominik Szoboszlai, who all like to bomb on down the right-hand side to support Mohammed Salah.
Cunha, while a brilliant forward, lacks the defensive discipline to track back and play a defensive role against Liverpool. He could start as the centre forward, but Šeško understand when to press more than the Brazilian.
Mount will allow Amad to flourish
While Mount doesn’t typically play on the same side as Amad, his unique blend of work rate and technical quality will help the Ivorian flourish against Liverpool if he starts on Sunday afternoon.
United will allow Liverpool to dominate possession this weekend, and if they play the 4-4-2 without the ball that was deployed against Sunderland, Mount will be playing the same role as Amad in defence.
While he doesn’t directly impact the right-wing-back, the change of shape allows Amad to start in a higher position and be effective on the counterattack.
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If United look to break quickly, Mount could sit in midfield and let Amad join the attack with Šeško drifting to the left and Bryan Mbeumo moving central.
Noussair Mazraoui could be chosen at right-centre-back to allow Amad to push even higher, creating uncertainty on the Liverpool left side for who must mark the Ivorian.
Amorim has a chance to seriously worry Liverpool with his team selection. He must keep Mount in.
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