Ruben Amorim will be looking to unleash one “really good” star for Manchester United’s upcoming clash against their rivals Manchester City.
Manchester United made a disappointing return to Premier League action earlier this week, slipping to a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Ruben Amorim and his side have little time to dwell on the loss, with a vital derby clash against rivals Manchester City scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
United’s attacking shortcomings were laid bare in the defeat to Forest, and Amorim could be contemplating adjustments to his frontline ahead of the showdown.
The Reds may also have to change things at the back after Amorim suggested that Matthijs de Ligt is a doubt for the derby clash.
Amorim can unleash United star vs City
De Ligt has been one of United’s better players in recent weeks and has been standing out in the centre of the back three while Harry Maguire has been unavailable.
It seems likely that Maguire, who came on upfront against Forest and almost scored, will return to the backline versus City.
Maguire and De Ligt are certainly different options for that middle centre-back role but the passing range which the Englishman possesses offers United a different option.
The 32-year-old is much more comfortable at sweeping the ball to the flanks with long passes, which can help United, especially in games against the likes of City who will leave space in those areas.
Of course, the protection of two wide centre-backs also means that Maguire doesn’t get pushed into uncomfortable positions and he can mosty defend where he is at his best.
“I think it is really good for him,” Amorim recently said when discussing Maguire’s position in the back three.
“Not just without the ball but with the ball, he’s always in the centre. I think he’s really good with the ball in that position.”
Maguire looking to make an impact vs City
Everyone will remember how United won against City last time out, with Lisandro Martínez playing a looping ball over the backline and Amad scoring.
While Maguire does not offer that exact ability from the back, his passing range could end up being helpful for the team who have been struggling at building from the back.
De Ligt is a great defender and has been very solid for United this season despite the struggles around him, but he doesn’t always look comfortable on the ball in that central centre-back role.
Amorim will miss the Dutchman on the weekend but the situation does give him the chance to reintroduce Maguire, who can hopefully have a positive impact.
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