Ruben Amorim’s decision after Leny Yoro’s injury may have suggested his preferred replacement if the defender cannot start the Europa League final.
Manchester United suffered a 2-0 defeat to West Ham on Sunday afternoon in yet another disappointing Premier League outing for the Reds.
With the Europa League final just 10 days away, Ruben Amorim was undoubtedly hoping to get through the match without any injury setbacks.
There was a brief concern in the first half when Rasmus Højlund appeared to be clutching his shoulder, but the striker was able to continue and seemed fine.
However, early in the second half, Amorim was left visibly distressed when Leny Yoro went down off the ball, with no opponent near him at the time.
The 19-year-old centre-back had to be substituted and was replaced by Harry Maguire. Yoro looked visibly upset as he limped down the tunnel at Old Trafford.
Fans have since expressed serious concern over the incident, with the young Frenchman being one of United’s standout performers in recent months.
Amorim major hint about Yoro replacement
Amorim suggested after full-time that Yoro’s issue might only be a small one which gives some hope that he will be available to face Spurs in the final.
However, there is certainly doubt over the youngster as he has had foot injuries in the past and may not be able to start in the final.
Maguire is likely to be playing as the central centre-back, while the likes of Noussair Mazraoui and Victor Lindelof have also been getting game-time in the back three.
However, it seems like Luke Shaw is the preferred option to replace Yoro as the left-sided centre-back in the cup final.
It was telling that, as soon as Yoro went down, Amorim ordered Lindelof to get warm alongside Maguire and come on to replace Shaw. With doubt in his mind over the Frenchman’s injury, it seemed like Amorim was not prepared to take any risk with Shaw.
The attributes which make Shaw best option
Shaw has the capabilities to be a good wide centre-back in Amorim’s system but he is certainly a downgrade on Yoro considering the form of the two players.
Importantly, Shaw has the ability to drive forward with the ball at his feet and step out of the backline. Those attributes are likely why he would be preferred to someone like Lindelof.
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However, Shaw is not perfect in that position and Yoro has been one of United’s best players recently. Some would argue that the England international would be better suited to playing at wingback too.
United fans will be hoping that Yoro will be fit to start the final, but it seems like Shaw is the preferred replacement if that cannot happen.
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