Rúben Amorim has to make one Manchester United change against Grimsby Town after an alarming error from one of his defenders.
Manchester United picked up their first Premier League points of the season as Rúben Amorim’s side drew 1-1 with Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
The game began at a frantic pace, with Matheus Cunha striking the post early and forcing multiple saves in the opening minutes, while Fulham also created chances of their own.
United were given the perfect chance to go ahead when Mason Mount was fouled in the lead-up to a corner, but Bruno Fernandes uncharacteristically blazed the resulting penalty over the bar.
After 50 minutes, Amorim introduced Benjamin Šeško and Diogo Dalot, and moments later a deflected header from Leny Yoro put United in front. Fulham responded with changes of their own and drew level through Emile Smith-Rowe with 20 minutes remaining.
The hosts grew in belief and both Harry Maguire and Bryan Mbeumo spurned late opportunities, but the contest finished level at 1-1 in West London.
De Ligt was good until alarming error
While many of United’s key players performed well during pre-season, the jury was out on Matthijs de Ligt, who looked a little off the pace. So, when he started over Harry Maguire against Arsenal, questions were raised over the controversial call.
However, the Dutchman delivered a sensational performance against the Gunners, and although he backed it up in the first half against Fulham, his “alarming” error for Smith-Rowe’s goal casts doubt on his position.
The 26-year-old failed to clear an easy cross just moments before the equalising effort, and at points, his distribution looked a little static despite completing 37 of his 39 attempted passes.
Overall, his display was a positive one before his error, with the Dutchman winning his only tackle, making two blocks and six clearances, but it may be time to hand his place to another against Grimsby Town.
Maguire should be given the nod over De Ligt vs Grimsby
When United signed De Ligt, it was following a few mixed seasons at both Juventus and Bayern Munich, with some feeling that United had paid £35 million for a player who had yet to live up to the potential he initially showed at Ajax.
While he has been positive so far this season, up until his wobble against Fulham, it may be time to hand Harry Maguire his first start of the campaign.
With the tie against Grimsby Town coming up in just a few days, Amorim will no doubt look to rotate a lot of his team, and the whole back three may likely be switched up, with Maguire being handed a start in the middle.
Ayden Heaven will almost certainly play against the League Two opposition on the left, while Tyler Fredricson could be gifted his first few minutes of the season on the right-hand side.
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