Manchester United suffered defeat in the latest derby, losing 3-0 to Manchester City.
There was little for Manchester United to be positive about after a derby capitulation at The Etihad.
Ruben Amorim’s side had moments of competency mixed in with spells where they looked all at sea, and the scoreline could have ended far higher.
The lack of a cutting edge in attack was also evident despite heavy investment in the position over the summer, and this was a game to forget.
Here is a look at United’s three biggest underperformers in the defeat.
Luke Shaw tries to chase down Tijani Reijnders
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw is United’s longest serving player and he has experienced his fair share of derby joy and heartbreak. This latest game was an unhappy one for him in particular.
Shaw was given the run-around by Jeremy Doku for City’s first goal, where his teammates failed to do their job and mark Phil Foden.
For City’s third goal, Shaw was caught out of position up the pitch as Erling Haaland burst through to score his second of the game.
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Shaw has started every Premier League game this season, which is somewhat miraculous considering his fitness record. But he should not be an automatic pick based on this performance, and Ruben Amorim should consider leaving him out of the next game.
Bruno Fernandes looks dejected with hands on his hips
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Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes continues to look like a square peg in a round hole, played as one of a midfield pairing.
This not only creates a conundrum over who should partner him, but it prevents him from playing in his best position.
Fernandes has limitations defensively and was exposed by City, with too many gaps appearing for City to exploit. We don’t expect Ruben Amorim to re-think, but he probably needs to.
Altay Bayindir in Man Utd shirt, as City player celebrates in background
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Altay Bayindir
Altay Bayindir did nothing to inspire confidence for his Manchester United defenders, and was too easily beaten for all three of City’s goals.
He faced five shots and conceded three of them, and his time in the starting line-up is on borrowed time.
United have signed a promising new goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, and it is clear that starting Bayindir carries its own share of risk.
Ruben Amorim needs to be bold and start Lammens’ United career next weekend.