The cool demeanor that Ruben Amorim once represented is beginning to disappear in Manchester, with the suave Portuguese boss already showing signs of wear and tear due to the size of the job at his disposal.
Labeling his team as “perhaps the worst” in Manchester United’s history shows that frustration and pressure are growing, and although Amorim sought to provide clarity before visiting Rangers, such mistakes will surely be pounced upon.
After falling to a Defeated by Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 on Sunday, the Red Devils will look to bounce back by securing a win over Gers which would leave them in a very strong position in the Premier League table ahead of the final game. United currently occupy one of the top eight places, but Rangers are right on their tail.
Here’s how United could stand at Old Trafford.
GK: Andre Onana – After making another mistake that led to a goal at the weekend, Amorim could have taken the easy option and turned to Altay Bayindir after his heroics in the FA Cup. But this is an important game and Onana should get the support of his boss.
CB: Leny Yoro – Yoro should return to his favorite side with Amorim making one change to his defense from Sunday.
CB: Harry Maguire – With Jonny Evans sidelined and Victor Lindelof not yet ready to return, Maguire must sit nicely at the heart of the back three.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – The Argentine was an unused substitute against Brightonbut his return to armor allows Yoro to switch to his natural right side.
RWB: Diogo Dalot – Dalot has played a lot of football this season – far too much in the eyes of many fans. It seems that he cannot be dropped in the eyes of Amor, so a fresh start seems likely here.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – Another reliable assistant manager, Ugarte, will battle Rangers’ pesky ball-winner Nick Raskin at Old Trafford.
CM: Christian Eriksen – After Brighton’s success this weekend there should be rotation in the center of the park. Kobbie Mainoo could be dropped in favor of Eriksen, who has produced some big moments in the league stage so far.
LWB: Tyrell Malacia – The Dutch full-back has featured sporadically since returning from a long-term knee injury. With Noussair Mazraoui getting a breather, Malacia could make a rare start.
AM: Amad Diallo – Amad was saving United’s bacon against the worst team in the world Premier League exactly a week before kick-off on Thursday, but there were no heroics from the spirited Ivorian side this weekend. He was the star of the Amor era up to this point.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – Fernandes wasn’t bad either, and much of his best work, much like United’s under the Portuguese coach, was saved for the biggest occasions. He has yet to score in the league stage, but he scored from the penalty spot on Sunday.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – After dropping to the bench this weekend, Hojlund is expected to lead United’s line given his impressive performance in the Europa League. The young Dane is by far theirs the best scorer tidying up at five to six.
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