Rúben Amorim could be set for a difficult decision involving Luke Shaw in the coming weeks, after one star’s poor performance on international duty.
Manchester United are beginning to pick up some real form under Rúben Amorim after a difficult start to the season. The Red Devils are unbeaten since the 3-1 loss to Brentford and were unlucky not to take more points from Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.
While United fans will be happy with the impressive performances in recent weeks, there are still several improvements to be made and many big decisions to be made before United face Everton at Old Trafford after the international break.
One point of call for Amorim will be the centre-forward position. Benjamin Šeško has been first-choice for the majority of the season, but was forced off with an injury against Tottenham and looks unlikely to be available against Everton. Matheus Cunha or Joshua Zirkzee will be the favourites to replace him.
Another big decision for Amorim to make is the role of Mason Mount, who impressed off the bench against Spurs and will be fresh after no involvement in the international break. Perhaps, he will be given the nod ahead of Cunha after a poor run in front of goal.
While Luke Shaw wasn’t involved during the break, he will also be key in one of Amorim’s pre-Everton decisions, as the manager may be forced to move him out of central defence.
Dorgu struggles for Denmark
Patrick Dorgu met up with the Denmark squad to take on Belarus in a World Cup Qualifier. He was expected to feature alongside Rasmus Hojlund, but the United loanee missed the game due to an illness bug circling the Denmark camp.
Dorgu started at left-back in a 4-2-3-1 formation and didn’t impress. Sports Dunia awarded the former Lecce defender a 6.0 rating before saying: “It was a tough learning experience for the young defender.
“He was adventurous going forward but this left him exposed. He lost possession a staggering 17 times and made an error that led directly to a shot. He has talent, but this was not his finest hour.”
While Dorgu impressed against Tottenham Hotspur, he has struggled for consistency this season and could face another spell on the United bench if he can’t improve in Denmark’s second international match against Scotland on Tuesday night.
Shaw could move to LWB
Shaw has been among United’s best performers this season, with all of his appearances coming at the left side of central defence. However, if Dorgu continues to struggle, Amorim may be forced into moving him up to left-wing-back.
Diogo Dalot has filled in there at times this campaign, but he will be forced to the right during AFCON, with no Amad or Noussair Mazraoui. Therefore, Shaw would have to play at left-wing-back, but there is another reason why Amorim will have to consider moving Shaw out of the back three.
Lisandro Martínez is spending the international break with the Argentina squad to step up his recovery from his ACL injury. He may return next week and be ready for minutes in the senior side, meaning Shaw would have to vacate his place on the left of the back three.
While Martínez doesn’t have to play on the left of the three, he is unlikely to immediately displace Matthijs de Ligt or Harry Maguire, and he won’t be trialled on the right side.
His return could also force Ayden Heaven to look for a January loan after very few minutes already this season. He could benefit from a loan move to the Championship, like Harry Amass and Radek Vitek.
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