Manchester United have a fully fit squad to choose fromplaceholder image
Manchester United have a fully fit squad to choose from | Manchester United via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim finally has a fully fit Man Utd squad and there are some tough decisions to make.
Manchester United have a priceless luxury ahead of their trip to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend: a fully fit first-team squad. Unless there are any new issues this week, Ruben Amorim will have a full-strength senior squad to choose from as they look to extend their unbeaten run to five matches.
It means the United head coach has some tricky selection decisions to make. With only one match a week, there is no real need to freshen up the side and Amorim can effectively play what he believes is his strongest line up for each unique opponent they face.
There has been an element of consistency from United during their recent resurgent run, though there are probably three positions up for grabs in what would be considered their best side. Here is a look at each of them amid fierce competition for places.
Read More
Left centre-back
If we start at the back, Ruben Amorim has an interesting decision to make on the left of his back three. Leny Yoro and Matthijs De Ligt are the favoured options in the other centre-back roles, with Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez in competition for the final spot in defence.
Shaw has excelled this season as a replacement for the injured Martinez and would have to be considered ahead in the pecking order right now. The 30-year-old has started every Premier League match and been a standout performer in several of them, both in and out of possession.
Martinez was expected to reclaim his starting spot as soon as he was fit, though it would be harsh on Shaw to be dropped on current form. It means the Argentine will have to work hard to win back his role, and even though he has a higher level of ability, there are fresh doubts over his own injury record. Both players should benefit from the reduced fixture schedule this season, but both have work to do if they are to prove themselves capable of playing twice a week again.
Left wing-back
The next problem position is the biggest. While there are two compelling options in the other roles, there are none that stand out in the left wing-back position. Patrick Dorgu was signed in the winter window to be their long-term solution in the role, but ever since he dropped out of the line up against Sunderland, they have gone unbeaten across their four matches.
Dorgu is still viewed as the long-term option there, and patience is required for the youngster, who hasn't exactly had it easy in a United shirt so far. He shone in pre-season, but he has buckled under the burden placed upon him as part of a dysfunctional side in the Premier League.
Diogo Dalot is a trusted figure by Ruben Amorim, and although he is an awkward fit in the role, there is a degree of reliability from his level of fitness and performance. It is also important to note that, as a fellow right-footer, he has a better understanding of Matheus Cunha on the left and brings balance to the left side. Again, Dorgu has the higher ceiling, but Dalot is currently more reliable.
The final attacking role
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have both been excellent additions to the Manchester United side, though it is still unclear whether they operate better with a focal point or a false nine in attack. There are two very different options to choose between, which are likely defined by the characteristics of the match they are playing.
Benjamin Sesko is the most likely option to lead the line and has already shown glimpses of the raw potential he has to offer. He is still adapting to a new league at a young age, though, and expectations must be eased on him so early into his Old Trafford career. Like Dorgu, he is another who is learning on the job and could be negatively impacted by the burden on his shoulders already.
United's best performance of the season came without Sesko in the starting line up. Mason Mount started at Anfield, with Cunha the focal point in a fluid forward line against Liverpool. That could be the blueprint for matches against top opponents this season, with Mount a candidate to start against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. It is still hard to judge which approach is more sustainable, but this is a healthy dilemma to have.
Continue Reading