Manchester United have named their starting line up vs Arsenalplaceholder image
Manchester United have named their starting line up vs Arsenal | Getty Images
Man United look like a proper football team again, thanks in no small part to the Premier League’s signing of the season.
All it has taken is for Michael Carrick to put Manchester United’s players into their strongest positions for results, and performances to improve.
Carrick had a chance of getting the job on a permanent basis before beating Man City and Arsenal, but if he now manages to instil consistency into a team that hasn’t displayed any all season, the job might well be his. United look more balanced at both ends of the park and both wins have been deserved. Under Ruben Amorim, too many big games saw the Red Devils holding on and requiring luck to be on their side rather than having the ability to outplay their opponents.
Man United signing leading the way for Michael Carrick
The shelf life of a manager has never been shorter, but Amorim didn’t help himself. Kobbie Mainoo has been outstanding since being recalled to the starting XI with Bruno Fernandes back to his best in a more advanced role and Harry Maguire confirming his status as the best centre-half at the club.
The spine of the team looks much-improved with Bryan Mbeumo’s shift to a more central position confirming his status as the Premier League’s signing of the summer. In a struggling team, he has been pivotal, scoring eight goals and creating one assist in 18 Premier League games, most of which were played from a deeper position.
There have been claims that Hugo Ekitike or Martin Zubimendi have been the best of the summer signings and big-money acquisitions, but Mbeumo has transformed United’s fortunes and potential to challenge at the sharp end of the table once again.
In Matheus Cunha, Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu, United have attacking options to support Fernandes and Carrick has unleashed them. Mbeumo’s pace and physicality, added to his composure, has brought the finishing touches to a forward line that has threatened often but largely failed to deliver. Benjamin Sesko might yet come good, but Mbeumo now has the jersey.
What has Roy Keane said about Mbeumo?
Roy Keane is notoriously hard to please, but even the Old Trafford legend has been impressed with what he has seen from the Ivory Coast international. Asked if Mbeumo’s quality in front of goal was key to United signing him, he claimed: “Exactly. That’s why they brought him into the club. Obviously, he’s also one of the [more] experienced players in the Premiership,” said the United legend.
“Goalscoring last year for United was a huge, huge problem. A lot better this year, and, obviously, poor [defending] from Arsenal. Watching the chance again, Keane added: “He’s (Mbeumo) still got to finish it. He’s cool, he’s calm… beautiful. Gets United back into the game and gives them a big lift, as well.”
With Mbeumo leading the line, there is a new-found confidence from those around him that, if chances are created, he will finish them. Something that has been missing for most of the season.
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