Michael Carrick has explained why he’s chosen to start Amad over Benjamin Šeško as Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford.
Manchester United were not in action over last weekend following their FA Cup exit, giving Michael Carrick’s side a chance to regroup after Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.
It marked the Reds’ first Premier League loss since the turn of the year, though they still occupy a strong position in the table. United sit third, just ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference, while Chelsea and Liverpool remain three points further back.
Attention now turns to Sunday, when United host Aston Villa at Old Trafford in a mid-afternoon kick-off that could have a major impact on the race for Champions League places.
Unai Emery’s side recovered from a poor start to the season with an impressive run of 11 consecutive victories toward the end of last year, which lifted them into the top four. However, having managed only one win in their last five league games, they now risk slipping down the standings.
Carrick explains Šeško bench decision
While it was also confirmed that Mason Mount has returned to the squad following an injury that had kept him out for a month, the big news was that striker Benjamin Šeško has been dropped to the bench, while Diogo Dalot replaced Noussair Mazraoui in defence.
Winger Amad has replaced him in the starting XI, with Bryan Mbeumo expected to play as the central striker.
Speaking with Sky Sports ahead of the tie, Carrick said, “Yeah, we’ve just got a good forward line to choose from, and it’s just getting that balance right really from game to game. Whether it’s starting the game, whether it’s the impact coming off the bench.
“I think over the eight games really, I think we’ve had good impact in different ways coming off the bench, and I think that’s a big part of the game. So just trying to get that balance right.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but the boys have all adapted to it really well, and so they’re ready.”
Mbeumo not phased by position changes
Throughout the campaign so far, Mbuemo has played across the front line, having been deployed as a striker, right winger, and left winger in the last six months.
There have been debates as to where the summer signing’s best position in the squad really is, but the Cameroon international is not phased by the changes.
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“Yeah, obviously, I can play different positions, and yeah, I’ve shown it in the past,” he told Sky Sports when asked what he feels his best position is. “But yeah, I don’t have a special position.”
Mbeumo has scored against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham since Carrick took charge, and the United boss will be hoping for another at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
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