Ruben Amorim must now rely on one first-team Manchester United star being ready for the Red Devils’ Premier League showdown with Manchester City on Sunday.
Manchester United finally returned to Premier League action on Tuesday evening after the end of the March international break.
However, it was a night to forget for Ruben Amorim’s men after Nottingham Forest secured a 1-0 win over United in the Premier League clash at City Ground.
Anthony Elanga came back to haunt the Red Devils and the former United man broke the deadlock – and found the winner – in Nottingham Forest’s victory.
United were unable to rally back against Forest and Amorim’s men were left chasing the match after Anthony Elanga opened the scoring in only the fifth minute.
The Red Devils still languish in 13th place in the Premier League table and United have only managed 10 wins from 30 league matches in a dismal campaign.
Amorim’s men are currently on course for United’s worst Premier League finish since England’s top-flight league was formed back in 1992.
The United manager will no doubt be hopeful to see the Red Devils bounce back when they host Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
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Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Ruben Amorim needs Mason Mount to be ready for Man Utd’s Premier League showdown with Man City at Old Trafford
Despite the loss to Nottingham Forest at City Ground on Tuesday evening, a major positive for Ruben Amorim was the return of Manchester United ace Mason Mount.
Mason Mount came off the bench in the second half and replaced Joshua Zirkzee in the 78th minute, with the United star finally making his return from injury.
The 26-year-old former Chelsea and England player secured regular first-team minutes for United, despite not having a major impact in the match.
Mount’s spell at Old Trafford has been disrupted by injuries, but the Red Devils star has shown shades of his former Chelsea self during different moments at the club.
The ex-Three Lions star, who is United’s current No 7 shirt holder, is much more naturally suited for Amorim’s tactical system at the Red Devils compared with others.
Alejandro Garnacho, for example, played in one of the two No 10 roles for United against Forest and the 20-year-old Spain-born attacker struggled to impress.
READ MORE: Man Utd fans have lot to say about Alejandro Garnacho after performance vs Nottingham Forest, ‘frustrating thing’ called out
What Ruben Amorim said about Mason Mount after Man Utd return shows why he is important for Man City match
Speaking after the Premier League result at City Ground, Amorim insisted that Mason Mount has the versatility to play as either of the two No 10s in his system.
“If you look at the history of Mason Mount, he played in this system many times, especially in Chelsea, he played left-hand, right-hand [side],” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“So, I think it’s a very good position for him.”
Mount has managed 13 appearances in his injury-hit season for the Red Devils and the former Chelsea ace has not scored or registered a single assist.
Despite not netting for United or picking up an assist, his influence as one of the two No 10s against Manchester City could be essential for Amorim in Sunday’s derby.