Ruben Amorim has explained why two of his Manchester United players will be “really important” in the upcoming game against Burnley.
Manchester United started the campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, but their performance offered encouragement and highlighted several positives.
Their next outing at Fulham ended in a 1-1 draw, yet despite picking up a point, the display was unconvincing and sparked concerns.
Matters then took a turn for the worse in the Carabao Cup, as United suffered a humiliating penalty shootout exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town. Having trailed 2-0, they were fortunate to even force the contest beyond 90 minutes.
Attention now shifts to Old Trafford, where Ruben Amorim’s men face Burnley in a must-win fixture as they look to secure their first victory of the season.
Benjamin Šeško has been dropped back down to the bench for this clash while Mason Mount joins Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the frontline.
Amorim explains why two United stars will be “really important” vs Burnley
Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw have both returned to the starting lineup after being rested against Grimsby and Matthijs de Ligt sits in between them.
Amorim spoke of Yoro and Shaw’s importance in his team ahead of the game, explaining how they are not simply tasked with central defender responsibilities.
“I think it’s really important,” he told club media. “The way we play they are not just centre-backs, they are two guys that have to play as fullbacks, as centre-backs, they have to have the ball.
“Sometimes they have more space than the other guys, so they are in control of the game most of the time, so it’s really important for us.”
Yoro has been excellent despite results
United only play with two men in midfield and that means that these wide centre-backs must step up out of possession and also be confident with the ball in possession.
Their roles are crucial. Shaw and Yoro have been two of United’s better players so far this season and are both comfortable entering those areas of the pitch.
The Frenchman, in particular, has been excellent for a prolonged period in that wide centre-back role despite the results the team have been getting.
Many still doubt the shape Amorim is persisting with but if it is ever going to work, the wide centre-backs might be the most important players in the starting eleven.
Amorim will be hoping that both Shaw and Yoro have good performances against Burnley which helps United register their first win of the season.
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