Match Coverage
Pundit calls for Ruben Amorim to make two controversial XI decisions vs Man City – Man Utd fans will disagree
One pundit has called for Ruben Amorim to make two controversial decisions in his Manchester United starting XI for the Manchester City clash.
Ruben Amorim is preparing Manchester United for a crucial Premier League derby against Manchester City, a defining challenge early in his tenure as head coach.
United come into the match on the back of a 2-1 comeback win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, with substitute Rasmus Højlund scoring both goals to seal the victory.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are navigating a difficult period, with just one win in their last ten matches across all competitions.
Earlier this season, Amorim’s Sporting stunned City with a dominant 4-1 win in the Champions League, a result that still lingers over Guardiola’s side.
The Portuguese manager will now look to exploit City’s struggles once more and deliver a vital derby triumph for United, who are desperate for points to climb the Premier League standings.
Paul Merson calls for Amorim to make controversial changes
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has called for Amorim to make some controversial changes to his United line-up at the Etihad Stadium.
With City being exploited on the break so much this season, he believes that Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford should both start alongside Amad Diallo.
“If Ruben Amorim wants to win this game, he must opt for a front-three with the likes of Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho,” he said on SportsKeeda, “Everybody is exposing City through counter-attacks and this trio can hurt them with their pace.
“Like I said, if United can hurt City with pace, they have a chance in this game. They must not sit back and go into a shell while trying to defend themselves all the time. They must take the game to their rivals. I still think City hold the edge here though.”
United fans will disagree
That is certainly a controversial call which many United fans will disagree with. Neither Garnacho or Rashford have shown that they deserve to start this game.
The Englishman started against Viktoria Plzen and looked extremely poor. Garnacho came off the bench and wasted several opportunities on the break.
This doesn’t even consider the fact that Rasmus Højlund scored two goals last time out and looked extremely strong.
The Dane will almost certainly start that game and Mason Mount seems more likely to be involved than Rashford or Garnacho in that frontline.
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