13 misplaced passes, 5 duels lost – Manchester United star must be dropped vs Arsenal, he left Rúben Amorim in “disbelief” vs Real Sociedad

Rúben Amorim must look to drop one Manchester United player against Arsenal after he left the head coach in “disbelief” against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

Manchester United’s Europa League knockout tie with Real Sociedad remains finely poised after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, with Joshua Zirkzee’s opener cancelled out by Mikel Oyarzabal’s second-half penalty.

United started brightly, dictating possession and tempo in the early stages, though Rúben Amorim’s side struggled to carve out clear-cut chances. Their first real threat came in the 37th minute when Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes both saw efforts blocked on the line.

Sociedad grew into the contest as the first half wore on but failed to capitalise before the break. United made the breakthrough early in the second half, with Zirkzee steering home Alejandro Garnacho’s cut-back to give Amorim’s men a valuable lead.

However, Sociedad found a way back into the game when Fernandes was penalised for handball, allowing Oyarzabal to convert from the spot with 20 minutes remaining. Amorim responded by introducing Christian Eriksen for Garnacho, but it was the hosts who looked the more dangerous in the closing stages.

United had André Onana to thank for preserving the draw, as the goalkeeper produced a crucial late save before the final whistle ensured the tie remains level heading into the second leg.

Dalot left Amorim in “disbelief”

While a draw is far from the worst possible outcome, right wing-back Diogo Dalot has been criticised for his performance against Real Sociedad, particularly for not crossing to Rasmus Højlund in the first half for a brilliant chance, which left Amorim in “disbelief.”

Sky Sports’ live commentary reported in the moment: “Amorim’s just made a shrug of disbelief with Dalot there – he was in the perfect position to cross it for [Rasmus] Højlund but pondered for too long and the chance was gone.

“This is what Amorim means by United getting in good situations but not just making the right decisions for their forward players. 

“A big reason why Højlund has gone 18 games without a goal, Garnacho 21 games and Zirkzee just the one goal in the last two months.”

Other moments in across the 90 minutes from Dalot left fans unconvinced. WHile he did play a good part in the build up to Zirkzee’s goal, his overall performance left much to be desired from both an attacking and defensive perspective.

He misplaced 13 of his 41 attempted passes, delivered just one accurate long ball despite six attempts, and lost five of his ten attempted duels while being handed a yellow card in the first half.

“I think it’s hard to say but I’m just imagining Diogo doesn’t know for sure Rasmus has the advantage and he felt that he had a lot of time to think the play,” Amorim said of the moment after the game.

“One thing for sure is they are really anxious to score goals and to win games so they are doing all the best. And sometimes they want the best way in that position but are not deciding the best way in their position.

“Was a clear position, Rasmus did really well, Dalot did really well, the decision was not the best, the important thing is to move on and not fighting. Let’s move on to the next game.”

Dalot must be dropped vs Arsenal

Diogo Dalot has started United’s last 21 fixtures in a row where he has been available, with the player missing just one fixture in that period due to suspension.

However, with his performance against Real Sociedad failing to impress many, it feels as if Amorim should rest the player against Arsenal, with the second leg against the Spanish side next week of much more importance.

Read More: Manchester United’s five things noticed as poor decisions from two stars cost the win vs Real Sociedad

But, Amorim will have an issue in trying to solve this as there are not too many options available to replace Dalot.

Dorgu is suspended for the Arsenal fixture after a red card against Ipswich, while Noussair Mazraoui is the club’s only other fit wing-back available after Amad fell to an injury last month and Tyrell Malacia was sent on loan.

Therefore, should Dalot be dropped and Noussair Mazraoui play on the right, Amorim may have to select Harry Amass as a left wing-back. Amass has previosu experience playing against arsenal afer starting against them in pre-season last summer.

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