Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim must decide how to replace three key players in his team.
Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui have all now flown out to represent their respective countries at the African Cup of Nations.
Manchester United have to negotiate the upcoming fixtures without the trio, and it is not a straightforward task.
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The right-side vacuum created by AFCON exits
Manchester United are losing three players who operate on the right side of the pitch. It is a hammer blow to Ruben Amorim, with Amad and Bryan Mbeumo establishing a dangerous connection.
It’s not one that can be easily replaced.
Amad and Mbeumo both have stronger left-feet, which means they like to cut inside, rather than get to the byline.
And this suits Ruben Amorim’s narrower style of play and 3-4-2-1 formation.
Amorim’s options are varied, but in having to find replacements for such uniquely gifted players, it is very challenging.
The impact is that Manchester United’s style of play will likely be different, even if the set up is the same.
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Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring for Manchester United vs Liverpool.
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Who replaces Bryan Mbeumo
There are six options here…
The most likely options: We expect Matheus Cunha to play on the left, with Benjamin Sesko up front, meaning Mason Mount could switch over to the right.
Mount lacks the explosive play Mbeumo provides, but he is a safe option and has been playing well in recent weeks. He is a player who Ruben Amorim trusts.
It’s possible Matheus Cunha could switch to the right side and Mount on the left, if Amorim feels it is a better combination for his wing-backs.
The alternative: An alternative option is for Joshua Zirkzee to start at the position. He played in this number 10 role multiple times in the second half of the 2024/25 season.
Zirkzee has not had a lot of game time this season, so it is most likely Mount and Cunha fill the roles.
The less likely alternatives: One exciting possibility is that Bruno Fernandes could move forward into an attacking position.
This is made less likely for the Aston Villa match by Casemiro’s suspension, which would mean selecting both Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte in midfield, two players Amorim has been reluctant to pick.
Another option is Kobbie Mainoo gets the nod in the attacking spot, with Fernandes and Ugarte in midfield.
The young wildcard: The young wildcard option available is Shea Lacey, who has made the matchday squad in recent weeks.
Amorim has not yet handed him his debut, but did say that United would need to turn to the academy during this period.
How many goals do you think Bryan Mbeumo will finish with this season? ⚽
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Who replaces Amad
There are another six options here…
The alternative: The most logical move to replace Amad is to bring Diogo Dalot over to start on the right side.
Dalot has been playing well on the left, so while the Portugal international could solve the right wing-back spot, another problem is then created.
The knock-on impact… Manchester United subsequently need to fill the left-wing back spot, and it is most likely that Patrick Dorgu is recalled.
After struggling in defeat to Everton, Dorgu was dropped. This could be his chance to regain his place and get back in favour.
One option available to Amorim is to keep Dalot on the left and select Dorgu on the right. This allows United to more closely replicate Amad, as he would need to cut in onto his left foot.
The secondary alternatives: There are a couple of other options available, one involves moving Luke Shaw up to wing-back, for the first time this season.
Lisandro Martinez’s return from injury gives Amorim a little added flexibility in defence, allowing him to push Shaw up.
Another option could be to press the emergency button and recall Tyrell Malacia, who has been on the bench in recent matches.
The wildcard options: Ruben Amorim’s recent record suggests he won’t do this, but Manchester United have two young wing-backs very capable of playing on the right side.
England youth international Bendito Mantato recently impressed at the under-17s World Cup, and has been training on and off with the first team since 2024.
Jaydan Kamason also impressed in a recent under-21 game against Tamworth with a lively cameo from the bench. He was named as a substitute by Amorim last season.
Should Man Utd give Tyrell Malacia another chance with Amad and Mazraoui away at AFCON?
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Who replaces Noussair Mazraoui
There are four options here…
The alternative: In the draw with Bournemouth, Mazraoui was unavailable. Leny Yoro played on the right side of the three-man defence, and this is what we expect to continue.
The secondary alternatives: If former captain Harry Maguire is passed fit, then we expect he will quickly be ushered back into the team. But he may not be ready for the next couple of games.
Ayden Heaven could also switch to the right if Matthijs de Ligt is available to reclaim his spot in the centre.
The wildcard option: You may have spotted Tyler Fredricson being back on the bench in Manchester United’s draw with Bournemouth.
The club’s 254th academy graduate is a back-up option who could be utilised if the injury situation worsens.
With Casemiro suspended, who should start vs Aston Villa?
Kobbie Mainoo or Manuel Ugarte?
Kobbie Mainoo / Manuel Ugarte
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The additional midfield dilemma
Assuming United keep it simple with Bruno Fernandes in midfield, there is another decision ahead for the game against Aston Villa.
Casemiro’s suspension means Amorim must likely pick between Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte.
At this early stage, United In Focus readers are voting overwhelmingly in favour of Mainoo getting the start.
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