An injury boost ahead of a marquee Manchester derby will be welcomed by Ruben Amorim, but one of those boosts could force him into making a ruthless call that he should make.
The international break came at the perfect time for Man Utd. They won against Burnley to go into the break with confidence, and received a much-needed buffer before the next game.
The latter was much needed because Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount came off against Burnley due to injuries.
Joshua Zirkzee had to be overplayed despite just returning from his own injury, so the warning signs were there. Now, as the derby comes into focus, Ruben Amorim is likely to receive multiple injury boosts.
Leny Yoro celebrates with Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw during the Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage in 2025 in London, England.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim could receive double Man Utd injury boost
As it stands, the international break hasn’t been brutal for Amorim because none of the Man Utd players have picked up any injury.
More importantly, the two-week break has allowed Matheus Cunha to soar in his recovery after he withdrew from the Brazil squad.
Cunha’s injury updates have consistently been positive, and if he’s fit, then selecting him to start the derby is a no-brainer.
Much more difficult is what Amorim does with the potential second injury boost.
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Mason Mount came off at half-time vs Burnley, and Amorim said it was injury-enforced as well, but it looks like it was a case of prevention rather than damage limitation.
It’s likely that Amorim will have both Mount and Cunha back for the derby, but that will only force him into making a ruthless decision.
Amorim needs to drop Mason Mount
Before going into detail, it is worth noting that Mount has been one of the best performers for United this season, so the call to drop him isn’t because of his form.
His game hasn’t translated to goals or assists, but his pressing from the front is valued by Amorim, and the player hasn’t let him down.
Having said that, Mount’s own performances have nothing to do with the imbalance it creates in the team.
The player plays well, but his inclusion in the team forces Amorim to play a fluid front three by dropping Sesko, since Mbeumo and Cunha are undroppable.
Against City, when United aren’t likely to have much of the ball, they need a clinical presence up front who can unsettle defences, which is Benjamin Sesko’s game.
Sesko has had a good international break with Slovenia, so he will be full of confidence as well.
It even benefits Mount, because his energy off the bench against tiring legs will be much more valuable late on, instead of United starting on the defensive by being unable to keep hold of the ball.
Amorim has been extremely ruthless in the transfer market, which has been welcomed by all. He needs to translate that ruthlessness to his squad selections, because Mount is his favourite.