Manchester United have heavily backed Ruben Amorim and with a huge Manchester derby on the horizon, the time for excuses is over
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has no excuses when it comes to squad depth
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has no excuses when it comes to squad depth
(Image: Getty)
Ruben Amorim finally has something Erik ten Hag didn't have at Manchester United.
Amorim, who is preparing for his third Manchester derby this weekend, will have options aplenty to choose from, something Ten Hag often struggled with throughout his tenure.
A big boost for the 40-year-old is the return of ever-present defender Noussair Mazaraoui, who appears to be fit and raring to go after a lengthy period on the sidelines at the start of the new season.
The Moroccan turned out to be an instant success during his first season at Old Trafford, racking up an impressive 57 appearances in all competitions and subsequently earning wholesale praise from United's fanbase in the process.
What that now leaves Amorim with is a headache in terms of who he picks to start at the Etihad Stadium, despite recent scares surrounding the fitness of Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha.
Mazaraoui played games at LWB, RWB and even CB when required last term, proving his versatility and adaptability to suit the Red Devils in times of need.
But with Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Matthijs de Ligt and Tyler Fredricson all fighting for a starting space in Amorim's three-at-the-back system, Mazaroui's position throws up plenty of intrigue.
Some have often criticised Amorim for deploying talented forward Amad at right wing back, with Bryan Mbeumo deployed further forward in the right number ten role.
Mazaroui is seen as a more defensive option, but is known for being comfortable with both feet, tough in the tackle, and aggressive as well. Whether Amorim sees his role out wide or as part of a back three remains to be seen, but the former Sporting boss cannot afford to complain now about his options across the pitch.
Ten Hag struggled in his 4-2-3-1 due to not having a left-back after injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia halted his progress at Old Trafford.
What was baffling was the non-inclusion of Alvaro Fernandez, who was shipped out to Benfica and then sold on again this summer to Real Madrid.
For whatever reason, Amorim now has a team he believes can play his system. Work over the summer has proved United still need a midfielder to complement and complete his required play style, but with Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte at his disposal, finding the required duo is his problem.
Nevertheless, the 197th Manchester derby will again give insight into his thinking, especially with defensive options coming out of his ears.
It's been a summer of change, and with Andre Onana gone and Sene Lammens in the building now too, it's time Amorim's players started showing some of their might before patience again runs thin with the United hierarchy.