Rúben Amorim has been speaking to the media ahead of Manchester United’s short trip to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 14 September.
Now that the international break is finally over, Manchester United can turn their attentions to the first Manchester derby of the season on Sunday afternoon.
Rúben Amorim will be hoping his side can continue their positive momentum from the 3-2 victory against Burnley before the international break, although United could be without several first-team players from that win.
While some players stepped up their training involvements – Senne Lammens took part in his first session, and Lisandro Martínez continues on the grass – some players travelled with their countries for World Cup qualifying.
Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro spent time in South America, but the Brazilian returned earlier than Ugarte because he was suspended for the second fixture. With everyone now back at Carrington, Amorim has big decisions to make ahead of the derby.
Amorim names Academy record as important
A key talking point ahead of the derby is United’s academy record – there has been an academy graduate in every matchday squad since October 1937 – Amorim spoke on the matter.
“We want to maintain that,” said Amorim when asked about the importance of the record. “I don’t want to be the guy to break that record, that idea.
“If you see the past of Manchester United, that should be our goal in the future, so we should try [to] maintain that for sure.”
While an academy player doesn’t need to start for the record to continue, Kobbie Mainoo – who is one of the few academy graduates left at Old Trafford – could be in line for a start against Manchester City due to the injuries Amorim confirmed.
The English midfielder wasn’t called up during the international break and will be desperate to start the Manchester derby, as he has fond memories of them, with the winning goal in the FA Cup Final in 2024.
Should Mainoo start in midfield?
While Amorim has a great record against Manchester City for Sporting CP and United, he may choose to play more defensively on Sunday afternoon than he has so far this season, especially given the Matheus Cunha news.
Mainoo could come in alongside Casemiro in central midfield, allowing Bruno Fernandes to take the place of Mason Mount in the front three. However, Ugarte will also be pushing for a start, despite his poor performance on international duty.
Alternatively, Amorim may push Amad into the front three alongside Bryan Mbeumo and bring Noussair Mazraoui into the starting lineup at right-wing-back, forcing Mainoo back to the bench.
It’s not an easy call for the United manager. Let’s wait and see what he goes for.
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