Rúben Amorim must be willing to make a big change to his starting lineup against AFC Bournemouth, as he prepares for AFCON.
Manchester United are in for a tough test in the coming weeks. The African Cup of Nations will see Rúben Amorim have to suffer without Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui for up to one month before they return.
The trio have started the last two Premier League matches on the right side, combining well with rotation and combinations on the flank and in the half space.
Losing them will be a huge blow for Amorim, especially considering he doesn’t know if they will be available for Monday evening yet. The United boss must be looking ahead to his wider squad for who could replace them.
While several first-team players remain out injured, Amorim could turn to the outcasts who are yet to be given a real chance this season.
Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee will be fighting for a start, following heavy links to January moves for both players.
Amorim must start Martínez
Lisandro Martínez – who Erik ten Hag described as a “warrior” – is yet to start a game since his return from an ACL injury last season, but he has begun to appear from the bench on a regular basis.
With Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire out injured, Ayden Heaven has deputised in the middle centre-back position. The former Arsenal defender impressed against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but still didn’t look entirely natural in his new role.
Luke Shaw has started every Premier League match as the left-sided central defender, but before the 1-0 loss to Everton, Amorim confirmed that Shaw was still an option at left-wing-back.
With Patrick Dorgu still struggling, Shaw could move up to left-wing-back, allowing Diogo Dalot to return to the right side. In turn, Heaven could move to the left-centre-back role, with Martínez coming in to the centre.
Martínez came off the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the middle of defence, and could prove crucial against Bournemouth as he could handle the tricky Evanilson.
Now or never for Martínez
Martínez was brilliant for Amorim before his injury last campaign, but he now faces a struggle to become a starting player once again.
When De Ligt and Maguire return, Martínez will find it even more challenging to gain a starting spot, as the central role will not be open, as it is now.
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If he doesn’t start against Bournemouth, Martínez may find it difficult to start a game soon. After Bournemouth, United face Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
The next opportunity to throw Martínez back into the side would be against Wolves on 30 December, when De Ligt, Maguire and Mazraoui may all be back. It really is now or never for the Argentine.
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