Ruben Amorim has explained two reasons why Amad is on the bench for Manchester United’s clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Manchester United host Arsenal in their opening game of the Premier League season on Sunday afternoon and Matheus Cunha starts the clash for the Reds.
Ruben Amorim’s side have had a strong pre-season and should be raring to go into difficult encounter at Old Trafford against the Gunners.
Benjamin Šeško is in the squad for the very first time but will have to wait to make his debut from the bench, as Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount join Cunha in the frontline.
Diogo Dalot has also been chosen over Amad for the right wingback role as Amorim anticipates a difficult defensive test for his side.
Amorim explains why Amad is on the bench vs Arsenal
Amad started every pre-season fixture for United but finds himself on the bench in this clash to the surprise of some fans.
Amorim has hinted that the Ivorian is on the bench due to two main reasons, with one being that he wants the ‘right players for each game’.
Arsenal are likely going to dominate the ball and Dalot offers an option who is slightly stronger defensively than his counterpart.
But the United boss also explained how he wants players who can have the right impact off the bench and that suggests that he thinks Amad can impact this game off the bench.
“A new season, against a very, very good team. So we are prepared for that. It’s going to be a very good game,” Amorim said on MUTV ahead of kick-off.
“It’s going to be like this during the season, we have more options and we have to chose the right players for each game.
“And sometimes we are not just thinking about the 11 guys that start the game, we need to imagine how we are going to finish the game.
“We need to have options to change things during the game, and we have those players.”
Amad will want to make impact off the bench
Last season, United’s worst performances almost always came when both wingbacks were naturally defensive players.
On the other hand, Amorim will know that his side are about to play against one of the strongest teams in the division and the defence will be crucial.
Amad is not the only player on the bench who could make an impact, with Šeško and Joshua Zirkzee alongside him. All three could cause Arsenal trouble in the second half.
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Those who are starting the game, such as Cunha and Mount, will be searching to make an early impact in the game after being trusted by the manager.
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