Ruben Amorim raised a few eyebrows with his team selection for Manchester United’s visit to Arsenal.
Despite winning 4-0 against Everton over the weekend, Ruben Amorim made six changes to his starting lineup at The Emirates.
Some changes were forced with Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez suspended, while Luke Shaw revealed he was injured with a “devastated” statement.
However, Amorim continued to rotate his side with Sunday’s goalscorers Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee dropping to the bench.
Here is the starting XI Amorim picked to face Arsenal: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Dalot, Malacia, Fernandes, Ugarte, Garnacho, Mount, Hojlund.
Ruben Amorim explains Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte duo
Bruno Fernandes impressed in central midfield against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League and he looks set to return to that role against Arsenal alongside summer signing Manuel Ugarte.
When asked why Bruno Fernandes and Ugarte start in midfield tonight, Amorim simply replied with three words.
“With the ball,” Amorim said via Amazon Prime Video.
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“Thinking, having the ball because they have pace. So we are looking for that. Arsenal are a very strong team, very physical. And Ugarte and Fernandes can run. That is very important for today.”
Amorim has been very eager to rotate his side during his first four matches in charge, but his midfield selection seems to be a tactical decision too with Fernandes and Ugarte tasked with being energetic and handling an Arsenal midfield that consists of Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Declan Rice.
Man United’s poor record vs Arsenal
There have been some legendary clashes between Man United and Arsenal over the years, with the two giants dominating the Premier League in the early 2000’s.
However, in recent years United have struggled against the Gunners. Arsenal have won three in a row against United and Amorim will be keen to end that run on Wednesday.
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United’s away record against Arsenal makes for grim reading. Amorim can be the first United boss to win at Arsenal since 2017 with a victory.
Amorim has been quick to point out that both sides are in different positions right now with Arsenal supposedly challenging for the title while United are very much in a transition phase under a new head coach.
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