Chris Sutton has taken a pot-shot at one Rúben Amorim decision as Manchester United prepare to face Man City in a Premier League encounter on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United’s return from the March international break saw them suffer a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, and Rúben Amorim is now setting his sights on a major test against Manchester City at Old Trafford.
While the result at the City Ground was disappointing, there were signs of progress—United looked more composed in possession and showed glimpses of Amorim’s tactical influence.
The focus now shifts to Sunday’s Manchester Derby, where Amorim will be hoping his side can turn improved performances into goals against Pep Guardiola’s men.
With a trip to France to face Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League also on the horizon, the Portuguese manager will be carefully balancing his squad ahead of a defining week.
Sutton takes pot-shot at Amorim decision
As always on the BBC, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has issued his predictions for this week’s fixtures, with the Manchester derby a hot topic ahead of Sunday afternoon.
Within his prediction, the former Scottish international took a shot at Amorim’s decision to start Joshua Zirkzee up front over Rasmus Højlund, jibing that Harry Maguire would be a better striker pick than either player up front.
“Manchester United are short of goals, and I don’t understand why Ruben Amorim went with Joshua Zirkzee to lead their attack ahead of Rasmus Højlund in Tuesday’s defeat at Nottingham Forest,” Sutton said.
“I see Højlund as a number nine, while Zirkzee is a nine-and-a-half to a 10 – anything but a centre-forward. It cannot be helping Højlund’s confidence because it is quite obvious Amorim doesn’t fancy him when he is desperate for results, and he is not picking him.
“People are saying United played well against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, and they dominated the ball, but they looked a bigger threat when Harry Maguire came on at the end of the game.
“Is there a chance of big Harry playing up front from the start here? That would be funny, but it is not going to happen.”
City still have their own issues
However, Sutton also acknowledged that City are also struggling with their own issues, with striker Erling Haaland out injured for the next few weeks.
“Manchester City will have to try something different in their attack too, with Erling Haaland out injured,” Sutton continued.
“They have not clicked often enough this season, especially in the bigger games, and I still don’t feel you can trust them to turn up the way they always used to – but this time I have a feeling they will find a way through.
“If Amorim did manage to get the better of Pep Guardiola for a third time this season, then United would probably be selling T-shirts to mark the achievement. I don’t see it happening though.”
Ultimtaely, Sutton stated that he feels despite the struggles of City, they will be able to break through and pull of a win at Old Trafford, clinching a 2-1 scoreline.
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