Ruben Amorim has a simple decision to make as Manchester United face Burnley in their third game of the Premier League campaign.
Manchester United lost 1-0 against Arsenal in their opening fixture but there were some positives to take out of the game after a solid performance.
The Reds then travelled to Fulham and drew 1-1, but despite the point, there were many more questions than answers after an underwhelming display.
After that, United have embarrassed themselves by losing on penalties to League Two outfit Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. They went 2-0 down in the game and should have probably lost in normal time.
Amorim will already be feeling the pressure again and the upcoming game against Burnley is going to be crucial for him and United.
Amorim must start “best” United star for the first time vs Burnley
After Altay Bayındır looked scared of the football in United’s opening two games, André Onana was introduced to the lineup at Grimsby.
He seemed to challenge the Turkish international for who could be worse in the air. He threw a punch into the sky while the League Two outfit doubled their lead.
For the first goal, the ball was fired towards his near post and he got down too slowly. Minutes later, Benjamin Šeško fired a strike at the near-post but the Grimsby ‘keeper – a self-proclaimed United fan – was much sharper than Onana.
Neither Bayındır or Onana deserve to play against Burnley, they both make the team ahead of them worse. But the expected signing of Senne Lammens is not going to be complete in time for this game.
Instead, Amorim should start Tom Heaton in the game for the first time in his reign. Heaton made three appearances under Erik ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick.
Fans are labelling the veteran shot-stopper as the “best” option between the sticks currently and while Amorim was surprised when asked about him potentially starting games a couple of weeks ago, it should be a reality now.
Mainoo must also start vs Burnley
Meanwhile, in terms of outfield players, Kobbie Mainoo must also start that game against Burnley after being one of the few to not embarrass himself with his display against Grimsby.
He got the assist for Bryan Mbeumo’s goal and looked a cut-above some of his teammates. It’s laughable that a potential exit has even been reported.
Amorim clearly does not favour the Bruno Fernandes and Mainoo midfield pairing but that is how they should go against Burnley if it is still a midfield two.
While the personnel needs to be right, and certain players don’t deserve to play, Amorim must also change some things if he wants to keep his job.
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