Ruben Amorim has cast doubt over whether a ‘top-class’ Manchester United star will play in the Premier League opener against Arsenal.
After an unbeaten pre-season, Manchester United now turn their attention to a mouth-watering Premier League opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, 17 August.
Ruben Amorim’s side know a major early test awaits as Mikel Arteta brings his well-drilled Arsenal outfit to Old Trafford.
With new signings on show and plenty of intrigue surrounding both teams, United will need to be at their sharpest to make a winning start against a side tipped to challenge for the title.
There are some selection headaches that Amorim will have ahead of this game in several different positions.
Amorim casts doubt about whether United Utd star will play vs Arsenal
Amorim confirmed this week that André Onana and Joshua Zirkzee would be available for selection after missing pre-season with injuries.
Both players have been in training this week but they have not played any fixtures over the summer and that puts doubt into them starting this game.
Reports did emerge stating that Onana was ‘ready’ to start the clash but Amorim has refused to reveal whether it will be him or Altay Bayındır between the sticks on Sunday.
“It’s like the other players. Everyone has to win the place,” Amorim said when asked if Onana, who has been described as ‘top-class’, will be in the line-up.
“So I’m not going to say if one player is number one. He’s ready to go to the game. Let’s wait. You will know Sunday.”
Amorim has other selection headaches vs Arsenal
Other than in between the sticks, Amorim has several key selection calls, including who will be at the centre of his defensive structure.
Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire have both played well in the position and it feels like a coin flip as to who starts in this game. The Englishman might be preferred simply due to Arsenal’s set-piece threat.
The midfield partner for Bruno Fernandes is also up for debate as United still haven’t made a signing in the engine room this summer.
Read More: Rúben Amorim confident that £127m Manchester United duo will become ‘so much better’ this season
Kobbie Mainoo seems unlikely to start the game as he only played in the midfield with Fernandes for around 15 minutes across pre-season.
Between Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, it seems more likely that the Brazilian’s experience is used for this difficult encounter.
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