Manchester United suffered a setback at the start of Ruben Amorim’s reign on Wednesday evening but can redeem themselves when Nottingham Forest visit Old Trafford on Saturday.
The 2-0 defeat by Arsenal in North London it was expected, but it will still hurt for United fans, with the Gunners’ clinical set-piece routines handing Amorim his first defeat in English football. However, victory against surprise package Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s Premier League opener will help lift their spirits.
Injuries are beginning to ease for United ahead of the hectic festive period and Amorim has just a handful of absentees in his defensive line for the visit of Forest. As he tries to figure out his preferred starting XI, there could be more rotation this weekend.
Here’s how united could line up with Amorim on Saturday.
GK: Andre Onana – Powerless to prevent Arsenal’s two goals, Onana popped up with several impressive saves to continue his impressive individual form.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – The Dutchman has done well for the most part in a United shirt, but will have to keep an eye on the danger of Forest’s regular goalscorer Chris Wood.
CB: Harry Maguire – With Leny Yoro making his first appearance for United against ArsenalAmorim is expected to lean on the 19-year-old more often in the coming weeks. However, he will not be rushed into the team after a long injury lay-off, meaning Maguire may have to start again.
CB: Lisandro MartÃnez – Martinez was suspended for the trip south in midweek and Amorim will be delighted to welcome the centre-back back into the fold.
RM: Amad Diallo – Amad starred in last weekend’s 4-0 win against Everton with a spirited performance down the right flank and is likely to feature against Forest.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo – Mainoo was also suspended in midweek as Bruno Fernandes dropped into a deeper midfield role to partner Manuel Ugarte. The Englishman should return to the XI and provide some defensive security against a forest happy side to sit and count.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – The Uruguayan was far from his best in north London and finding consistency appears to be his main challenge at the start of his United career. The combative midfielder has blown hot and cold this term.
LM: Diogo Dalot – Having spent much of Wednesday’s encounter in the defensive noose, Dalot should be cut loose in a more attacking role at the weekend. Tyrell Malacia failed to inspire after a long lay-off and his fellow Portuguese could replace him on the left.
RF: Bruno Fernandes – Fernandes provided two assists in his last outing at Old Trafford and will be aiming to orchestrate things against a generally stubborn Forest defence. Mainoo’s return will allow him to operate in a more advanced role.
ST: Joshua Zirkzee – Amorim is already having an impact on United’s centre-forwards, with Zirkzee netting a brace against Everton last time out. With Rasmus Hojlund out in midweek, the Dutchman could return to the team.
LF: Marcus Rashford – Amorim made the call to leave Rashford out of the starting line-up against Arsenal despite scoring three in two starts under the Portuguese. He is unlikely to be on the bench again.
