22 touches, 2 chances created – “Unbelievable” Manchester United star proves Rúben Amorim made a huge mistake vs Southampton

One Manchester United star has proven that Rúben Amorim made a huge mistake as his side were saved by Amad against Southampton on Thursday evening.

Amad turned hero once again for Manchester United as a 12-minute hat-trick from the 22-year-old saw Rúben Amorim’s men sink Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday evening.

The first half started with United dominating in possession, although Southampton looked the more potent team as André Onana had to make several fabulous saves in an effort to keep the visiting side out.

Although Alejandro Garnacho went close after 20 minutes, Southampton took the lead just before half-time, with Amorim’s men conceding yet another corner and going behind at home for the fourth home tie in a row.

In the second half, with Antony on in place of Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes deeper in midfield, the Brazilian had a brilliant chance to level the score from just yards out after an hour, but his shocking miss squandered yet another attack on the night.

However, with all hope looking lost, Amad managed to secure an equalising effort, thundering the ball past Aaron Ramsdale with fewer than ten minutes remaining, before latching onto a perfect pass from Christian Eriksen to hand United a lead right at the death.

With all three points secured, he capped off the night with a third, muscling Southampton off the ball in extra time to become the first player to score a hat trick for United since Cristiano Ronaldo in April 2022.

Zirkzee proves Amorim made a huge mistake vs Arsenal

When the line-ups were announced, many were surprised to see that Rasmus Højlund had started over Joshua Zirkzee despite the latter’s great cameo against Arsenal on the weekend.

Zirkzee was eventually brought on for the Danish international with 53 minutes on the clock, when it should have been a change that was made ahead of kick-off.

Zirkzee went on to have a great game for United, and although Amad will take the prize for his talisman performance, Zirkzee deserves his flowers for reminding fans he’s an “unbelievable” footballer.

Zirkzee had 22 touches in his 37 minutes, creating two chances for his side when the team looked lost for answers.

He completed nine of his 12 attempted passes, had four touches in the opposition box, and made one pass into the final third.

He also had his share of defensive duties, performing one block and making three recoveries, as well as winning three of his attempted duels and drawing a foul when the side needed it.

Højlund starting over Zirkzee was a massive mistake, as Zikzee was so much better at holding the ball up and retaining possession.

It was a massive mistake that Amorim would be glad he rectified because without Zirkzee’s presence on the field and the belief it gave United, Amad may not have been able to perform his heroics.

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