Phil Jones has heaped praise on one Manchester United star who’s been “terrific” of late amid Rúben Amorim’s positive run of form.
Manchester United have completed ten Premier League matches this season and, despite some shaky moments, remain in contention for a European spot.
Rúben Amorim has emphasised the club’s goal of returning to European football, which requires finishing in the top six. Currently eighth in the standings, United are just two points behind Manchester City in second and level on points with Tottenham in sixth.
So far, United have won five games, drawn two, and lost three. With inconsistency affecting almost every team apart from Arsenal, there is still plenty of opportunity to climb the table.
Amorim’s squad has shown flashes of brilliance alongside occasional individual mistakes, leaving room for further improvement.
Jones heaps praise on Mbeumo abilities
Former United defender Phil Jones has played with some of the very best players to have passed through the club in the last few decades, having made over 200 appearances himself at the Old Trafford outfit.
So when Jones spots a talented player, people tend to listen. Bryan Mbeumo recently won his second Player of the Month award since joining the club in July, with his five goals and one assist proving just how well he’s settled into life at Old Trafford.
Speaking on the Inside Carrington podcast, Jones has heaped praise on the “terrific” Mbeumo, listing eight traits he’s seen from the Cameroon international that he admires.
“Yeah, he’s fitted in really, really nicely in the team,” Jones said when asked for his assessment of Mbeumo. “I think his qualities are undoubted.
“He’s got so much ability, driving with the ball, you know, creating space for other players to occupy, technically very good. His assists, his goals, he’s quick, he’s sharp, so he’s been a terrific addition to the squad, to the team.
“Yeah, and then he’s won two [Player of the Month] awards already, so he’s already got his Man United career up and running, very early doors, so it’s nice to see.”
Amorim will lose Mbeumo for crucial fixtures
Mbeumo has formed a fantastic partnership with Amad over the last month or so. Still, both players look set to depart for the African Cup of Nations when the tournament kicks off in mid-December, with Mbeumo joining Cameroon and Amad heading back with the Ivory Coast.
United’s right flank, consisting of Mbeumo and Amad, has been their best point of attack during the recent run of form, and losing the pair will force Amorim to think of more creative solutions to keep United’s attacking threat intact.
While Mason Mount could be in contention to move to the right side of the front three to compensate for Mbeumo’s temporary departure, there is also the option for Bruno Fernandes to move into the position.
This would then allow Kobbie Mainoo a starting spot in midfield alongside Casemiro, which would be fantastic in keeping the balance in the squad.
As for who could replace Amad, the current left wing-back, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, could move to the right flank to continue having a left-footed player on that side.
With Lisandro Martínez returning to first-team training, he could slot into left centre-back, allowing Luke Shaw to move to the left flank, where he’s made it known he feels is his best position.
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