Rúben Amorim praises Manchester United star for “complete game” after position change vs Arsenal

Rúben Amorim has praised one Manchester United player for a “complete game” following his position change against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Bruno Fernandes’ brilliant free-kick cancelled out by Declan Rice’s second-half strike.

The match began with Arsenal seeing more of the ball, but despite their dominance in possession, clear-cut chances were few and far between. United struck first just before half-time, as Fernandes curled a superb free-kick past David Raya to give the hosts the lead.

At the start of the second half, United were forced into a change, with Ayden Heaven replacing the injured Leny Yoro. The hosts then had a big opportunity to extend their lead, but Noussair Mazraoui was denied by a fantastic save from Raya.

Joshua Zirkzee also went close shortly after, only for the Arsenal goalkeeper to keep him out as well. The visitors found their equaliser through Rice, who fired a powerful long-range effort beyond André Onana.

Looking to regain control, Rúben Amorim introduced Rasmus Højlund and Toby Collyer with 15 minutes remaining. United nearly stole all three points deep into stoppage time, but Fernandes’ close-range effort was somehow kept out by Raya, ensuring the points were shared.

Amorim praises United star for “complete” display

Although the result is yet another non-win at Old Trafford, there are plenty of positives to take, including the performances of a few individual players.

Casemiro started his second game in a row since mid-November and was fantastic in the lower block, while Fernandes once again the hero for United as he contributed to his fourth goal in five games.

Another player who played well was Alejandro Garnacho, who was a constent threat toward Arsenal’s attack and a much-needed offensive outlet when United were under pressure.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Amorim chose to praise Garnacho for his performance in transition, explaining he felt the winger had a complete game” against Arsenal.

“In the low block we can control more the game, and then we have some good players for transition,” Amorim said. “I think Garnacho made a really complete game. He was upset last Thursday, and today, he was amazing.”

Garnacho playing in a new position

Garnacho has been playing as a right-sided attacker in the last two fixtures, having started there against Real Sociedad and Arsenal. In midweek, he was fairly goal-focused in the first half but then adjusted to become more creative.

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That’s when he was able to assist Zirkzee for his Europa League goal, while against Arsenal he continued this streak of looking to find teammates in the area rather than shoot for himself.

Garnacho was fantastic on the right wing at points under Erik ten Hag last season and is starting to show that form once again, and under Amorim, he is also increasing his defensive responsibilities.

Although there are rumours that Amorim remains unconvinced about the 20-year-old’s long-term plans at Old Trafford, it’s clear that he is willing to use Garnacho when he can, and his good performances on the right-hand side may be handing him a lifeline this summer.

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