The Manchester Evening News has a dilemma this weekend. The local newspaper in one of the world’s largest football cities is facing the Manchester derby, so it’s about trying to stay neutral. For Manchester United and Ruben Amorim, it’s about making some final crucial choices that can help paint the city red.
The local newspaper pulls an analysis of United’s challenges before Sunday’s game, we hang on.
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“The United manager is faced with several exciting options for the trip across the city, not least who will start in goal. With Andre Onana set to secure a loan move to Trabzonspor in the coming hours, Altay Bayindir will be competing with newcomer Senne Lammens for the first-choice goalkeeper spot. Bayindir have started all three league games so far this season but have failed to convince, while putting Lammens into a derby would be a big decision. Amorim has shown that he is not afraid to make important decisions, and if Lammens is the future, making him the present must be a choice.”
“Maybe the other big decision of the weekend will come as a wing-back, although the biggest problems are in midfield. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have been the first choice in the partnership in midfield this season and it is difficult to see Kobbie Mainoo or Manuel Ugarte coming into the team unless Fernandes is moved further forward due to injury problems for Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha.”
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“The latter has hinted at the possibility of being injury-free for the weekend on social media and if either of him or Mount is available, it is believed that Fernandes will remain in a deeper role. Even without either of them, Joshua Zirkee or Amad can fill in. The latter was the match-winner at the Etihad last season, but has been pushed into a wing-back role for United this season. Having his ability and work effort on the field feels crucial.” Nevertheless, Amorim may well prefer the safety of Diogo Dalot – who is himself an injury problem after withdrawing from the Portugal squad last week – with Patrick Dorgu on the other side.
In other words, two important choices that must be made before Sunday. All about the Manchester derby
