Ruben Amorim may be forced into at least three changes for Manchester United’s midweek trip to the Emirates.
Six points separate the two Premier League goliaths ahead of the Wednesday evening kick-off, with Arsenal currently occupying second place and United ninth.
The new head coach has rotated in each of his first three outings thus far and will have to make two modifications to his starting XI vs Everton, whether he likes it or not.
That’s because both Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez – two influential mainstays – are suspended for the clash after receiving yellow cards in quick succession on Sunday. As well as the pair, Amorim was left sweating on Bruno Fernandes’ condition when he was withdrawn in the closing stages and subsequently spotted icing his foot.
Amorim likely to utilise Luke Shaw in Martinez’s absence
Luke Shaw trains with his teammates at Carrington.
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Post-match at Old Trafford, Amorim revealed that one Red is essentially chomping at the bit to get some minutes under his belt in the forthcoming matches – and it’s no wonder why. Luke Shaw missed almost the entirety of last season through injury and only made his return to the fold at the end of November.
“Luke Shaw wants to play more, but we have to control and rotate the team,” the boss told reporters after the full-time whistle.
He has yet to start in the time he’s been available, instead making half-hour cameos off the bench to ease him back into the action.
However, fans are expecting that the England international will be called upon to deputise for Martinez on Wednesday, given that he has occupied a left centre-back role on numerous occasions in his defensive counterpart’s absence.
Shaw also offers significantly more in attack than the likes of Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof and is more than capable of pushing up the pitch and creating chances for the in-form frontline.
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Ruben Amorim speaks with Amad Diallo on the touchline.
Manchester United players celebrate at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim reacts on the touchline in the first half vs Everton.