Rúben Amorim has confirmed the level of the problem Mason Mount has as Manchester United hosts Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday evening.
Manchester United bring the curtain down on 2025 with the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers to Old Trafford.
Rúben Amorim’s year has been far from straightforward, but a recent 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle, combined with a clean sheet, has provided fresh encouragement that there is something to build on.
The Reds have already faced Wolves this season, cruising to a 4-1 victory at Molineux earlier this month. This time around, though, United will be without several players due to injury and Africa Cup of Nations duty.
With the New Year just around the corner, Amorim will be targeting a confident performance and all three points as his side look to stay in the hunt for a Champions League place.
Amorim explains XI change vs Wolves
The only change from United’s 1-0 win against Newcastle is Joshua Zirkzee returning to the starting XI with Mason Mount stepping down due to injury.
After it became clear Mount couldn’t start, many were hoping to see Shea Lacey handed his first start in Red, although the 18-year-old instead remains on the bench.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the tie, Amorim issued the latest on his midfielder, stating: “He felt something, but I think it’s small. I think it’s not going to take a long time, but we never know. He’s not ready for this game.”
When asked about Zirkzee’s instructions, the head coach said: “He just needs to do his part, to show his talent, because he’s a talented guy. He needs to step up in the duels, because the rest, he has that, the fans love it. And just that, just do his job and have fun.”
Six Academy stars on the bench
Earlier this month, Amorim was being given plenty of stick and grief for his lack of using Academy players in squads or starting teams, but in recent days, he’s been forced to trust them more.
Read More: Manchester City are confident of repeating Antoine Semenyo saga with Man Utd’s ‘top target’
United introduced Lacey and Jack Fletcher for their debut against Aston Villa two weeks ago, when in search of a goal, and against Newcastle, Fletcher played 45 minutes after Mount was forced off at half-time due to injury.
Against Wolves, there are six Academy stars on the bench, with Lacey and J. Fletcher joined by Tyler Fletcher, Chido Obi, Bendito Mantato, and Tyler Fredricson, with Leny Yoro alongside them.
While Lacey, Obi, Fredricson, and J. Fletcher have already had their debuts in the last year, this could be the first time fans see either Mantato or T. Fletcher added to the famed list of Academy graduates at the club.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.