Rúben Amorim could be forced to use some of his backup options in the coming weeks; he will be without several key options.
Manchester United have had an interesting start to the season. Just a few weeks ago, it appeared that most fans had given up on Rúben Amorim, but now they sit just two points behind second-placed Manchester City and four games unbeaten, with four wins in the last six.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who both joined in the summer transfer window, have been crucial to United’s good run of form. Cunha scored the first goal of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion, with the Brazilian now looking more confident in a United shirt.
Senne Lammens and Benjamin Šeško have also been key to United as new signings, but they have played a role in forcing some former stars to the bench. Šeško’s arrival has left Joshua Zirkzee without a natural spot in the team, and Cunha has also started up front instead of the Dutchman.
With Mbeumo playing in attacking midfield, Amad has been forced to right-wing-back, and Diogo Dalot has been shifted to the left side, leaving Patrick Dorgu on the bench.
Kobbie Mainoo is another former starter to lose his place in Amorim’s side. Bruno Fernandes has dropped back to Mainoo’s natural central midfield spot, due to Cunha and Mason Mount playing in the left-sided No.10 positions.
Mainoo must play during AFCON
During the African Cup of Nations, Amorim will be without Amad, Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui for up to a month. The first AFCON game takes place on December 21, with the final on January 18. United will face Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Manchester City before the end of the tournament, with Arsenal just six days after the final.
Losing the three players will be difficult for Amorim, and he will be forced to rely upon some of his out-of-favour stars, none more so than Mainoo. Without Mbeumo, Fernandes will likely move into attacking midfield as he is the only man who could replace the Cameroonian’s goal threat.
Without Fernandes in midfield, Mainoo will be the natural replacement, as nobody else in the United squad can replicate the captain’s creativity like Mainoo.
The only other option for Amorim would be to play Manuel Ugarte alongside Casemiro for a more defensive setup. However, this could cause progression problems for United and make it harder for them to break the opposition down.
Mainoo simply has to play, or the England international will look for a move away from his boyhood club. This will be a blow for Amorim as he will lose a quality player and the support of lots of the fan base.
Mainoo could force his way into plans
While Mainoo isn’t currently a regular starter, he has been in the past, and United fans know how good he can play when given consistent gametime.
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During AFCON, Mainoo is likely to play regularly, and if he plays well, he could force himself into the starting lineup before the AFCON players return.
When the likes of Amad and Mbeumo eventually come back to Old Trafford, Amorim may find it very difficult to take Mainoo out of the side, and one of the attacking midfielders may be forced to the bench.
If Cunha doesn’t replace Mbeumo’s goal threat during the winter period, he may fall to the substitutes bench, and Fernandes could stay in attacking midfield. Amorim has several big calls to make during and after AFCON.
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