Ruben Amorim has explained the reasoning for Manchester United’s changes against Chelsea which includes Harry Maguire coming into the team for Leny Yoro.
Manchester United return to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon to take on Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea in the Premier League.
It’s been a difficult start to the campaign for United, who have managed just four points from their opening four matches. A late win over Burnley provided some respite, but they remain down in the bottom half of the table, their worst beginning to a season since 1992/93.
Ruben Amorim’s side head into the clash on the back of a bruising 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. Despite bright openings to both halves, United struggled to fashion any real chances, leaving Benjamin Šeško starved of service. As a result, the pressure on Amorim is beginning to intensify.
Saturday’s fixture will also mark Alejandro Garnacho’s first return to Old Trafford since his £40 million move to Chelsea last month, following his falling out with Amorim.
Amorim explains why Yoro is dropped for Maguire vs Chelsea
Amorim has made just two changes for this game at Old Trafford after the defeat to Manchester City. Harry Maguire and Casemiro come into the team for Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte.
The change in midfield was expected but the decision to leave Yoro out was a surprising one considering he’s been one of United’s few bright sparks so far this term.
Amorim has confirmed that Maguire and Casemiro are both starting for two main reasons, with their ability in the air and experience being crucial for the team against a Chelsea team who threaten from their crosses.
“It was part [of my thinking],” replied Amorim when asked whether the pairing’s strength in the air was a reason for them starting.
“The way the set up of the opponent also matters, the danger that they put in the crosses all of the time.
“And the experience at this moment is really important in our team.”
Amorim’s wingback decision more confusing
Even though United are only playing once a week, rotating players like Yoro is not the end of the world but other selections are more confusing by the United boss.
Noussair Mazraoui has shined for United when playing as a wide centre-back in Amorim’s system but the defender has almost never had a strong wingback performance. He starts in that position once again.
The wingbacks in Amorim’s system are crucial in an attacking sense and it is hard to see where the threat comes from when Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu are playing in those positions.
United will have a tough time against Chelsea, but Amorim will be hoping that he can somehow conjure up a victory to give his team some confidence back.
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