Two Manchester United stars have proved Rúben Amorim has a new transfer priority after shocking displays against Everton.
Manchester United suffered their first Premier League defeat in six matches as Everton claimed a gritty 1–0 victory at Old Trafford on Monday night.
United kept the ball early on, but Everton looked more dangerous, and the visitors were reduced to ten men inside fifteen minutes when Idrissa Gana Gueye slapped teammate Michael Keane.
Even with the extra man, Rúben Amorim’s side struggled to create much, and a brilliant strike from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall gave David Moyes’ team the lead. United showed more urgency after falling behind, but they still went into the break trailing.
In the second half, Mason Mount came on, followed shortly by Kobbie Mainoo and Diogo Dalot, yet Everton remained solid. With twenty minutes to go, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, and United’s main attacking threats pushed forward in search of an equaliser, and Joshua Zirkzee was denied superbly by Jordan Pickford.
As the match entered added time, Everton managed the moments expertly and held on for a deserved three points.
United’s left side is incredibly tame
A lot has been made of just how fantastic the club’s right flank is, with Mbeumo and Amad forming a potent partnership in Red. They have been two of United’s best players this season.
However, the club is becoming increasingly imbalanced in their direct threat. The left-hand side has been subpar this season without Matheus Cunha to hold down the attacking left spot.
Both Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Dalot have played as left wing-backs at various points this season, but neither has been inspiring. Against Everton, it was the former who started, but he had almost zero attacking threat.
Then, when Dalot joined with just over 30 minutes left, he didn’t make much of an impact either. Dorgu played three crosses, none of which were accurate, while Dalot’s attempted cross also failed to find its man.
United need a new left wing-back next summer
United’s left attacking flank has talent, with both Mount and Cunha available for the attacking position, but with no wing-back to mirror Amad’s attacking prowess on the other side, the whole attack feels muted.
Whether it be Dorgu failing to be decisive or quick-thinking enough to put a ball in or Dalot slowing the play down by having to
Reports from earlier this season suggested that United were looking at possible wing-back signings for next summer, but following the shock loss against Everton, this must be brought forward to the January window.
If United want any chance of securing Champions League or European football otherwise this season, they must sort out their attacking balance.
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