Mason Mount is predicted to star as Rúben Amorim corrects a critical error when Manchester United line up to face Man City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United returned to action earlier this week following the March international break, and Rúben Amorim is now preparing for a crucial Manchester Derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford.
On Tuesday, United fell to a 1-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest. Despite the disappointing result and continued issues with finishing, there were positives in the team’s improved ball control and possession under Amorim’s management.
The 40-year-old will be hoping to see his side regain their clinical edge when they face Pep Guardiola’s men on Sunday afternoon in the much-anticipated derby.
With Europa League action also on the horizon, Amorim will be looking ahead to next Thursday’s away trip to Olympique Lyonnais in France.
Amorim to correct critical error
With the clash against City coming at a significant point in Amorim’s tenure at United so far, it is fair to say that the starting XI he selects to face Guardiola’s men is a crucial one.
André Onana will start in goal as always, but with Matthijs de Ligt an injury doubt, Harry Maguire may return as the middle centre-back. Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui will almost certainly start as the wide centre-backs.
Although Mazroaui started on the left and Yoro on the right against Forest, this was a clear mistake. Amorim switched the pair at half time, and it looks as if he will correct his critical error and have Yoro on the left against City, with Mazraoui on the right.
As for the wing-backs, Diogo Dalot is likely to stay on the right flank, with Patrick Dorgu on the left. In midfield, Casemiro seems the more likely player to start, and Bruno Fernandes may drop back in order to allow for rotation in attack.
Earlier this week, Amorim confirmed that Mason Mount was now fit enough to start, although his minutes must continue to be managed.
Considering how keen the head coach is to integrate the 26-year-old into his starting team, he may play Mount against City but limit his minutes to 60 or 70 on Sunday afternoon.
Joshua Zirkzee was fairly ineffective as a striker against Forest and has shown himself to be a better player when playing as one of the two No. 10 positions. Mount could therefore start on the left of the front three, with Zirkzee on the right.
This then allows Rasmus Højlund to start up front, with Alejandro Garnacho relegated to an impact substitute role, which he has excelled in previously.
United predicted XI vs City
Onana, Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu, Zirkzee, Højlund, Mount.
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