Ruben Amorim will be tempted to field a more conservative starting XI for Manchester United’s trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow.
After a run of three wins, Amorim played an adventurous side in the last game at Nottingham Forest, with Amad at right wing back and young striker Benjamin Sesko up front.
Had United won that match, the head coach may have been inclined to stay on the front foot, but a poor defensive performance means he is likely to set out a more defensive stall this time around.
Defence
Senne Lammens has done little wrong since breaking his way into the first team and is almost certain to continue in goal.
Amorim’s propensity to fiddle with his back three could mean that young Leny Yoro will step down and be replaced by Harry Maguire, with Matthijs de Ligt moving to the right side of the back line and Luke Shaw remaining on the left.
Lisandro Martinez is nearing fitness but will not be ready to start. Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui are other options.
Wing Backs and Midfield
Amorim could sacrifice Amad for Mazraoui at wing back with defence in mind. The Ivorian got outjumped and outmuscled for Forest’s first goal last time out. Diogo Dalot was the culprit for the second goal and had a bad game in general, but as one of Ruben’s trusted lieutenants, he is more likely to keep his place.
Either Mazraoui or Dalot could play on the right or the left. Patrick Dorgu is also a possibility in either role if the boss wants to be more attacking.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes seem to have nailed down the two midfield slots this season and that will surely continue, with Kobbie Mainoo and Manu Ugarte having to bide their time waiting for an opportunity.
Forwards
Another Amorim favourite is Mason Mount, who has not featured in the last two games. It seems likely he will be brought back in to the side, probably in the left inside forward position, with Matheus Cunha playing up top and Benjamin Sesko dropping to the bench. Bryan Mbeumo is a nailed-on certainty for the right sided attacking role.
Josh Zirkzee is another player struggling to get starts this season and that probably won’t change tomorrow.
With all that in mind, here is our starting XI for tomorrow’s 12.30pm kick off:
Check the confirmed line-up here in The Peoples Person when it is announced at 11.15am tomorrow.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images