Manchester United host Unai Emery’s Aston Villa at Old Trafford this afternoon, looking to strengthen their grip on a place within the Premier League’s top four.
The Red Devils have risen up the table over the last couple of weeks, with temporary boss Michael Carrick working wonders and transforming the club’s fortunes.
He’s now won six of his eight league games in charge to date, subsequently allowing them to leapfrog today’s opponents in the hunt for Champions League qualification.
Michael-Carrick
However, another victory on home soil this afternoon could take his side three points clear of the Villans - a result that could be vital come the end of May.
If Carrick is to secure a seventh win of his temporary stint in charge of the Red Devils, he may have to make a huge call and drop one star player from his starting eleven.
Why Carrick must drop Mbeumo against Aston Villa
During the summer window, United spent big to try and improve the forward line, subsequently forking out a reported £71m for the signature of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
The Cameroonian has already been a phenomenal addition to the side over recent months, with the forward sitting as the club’s top scorer at present on nine goals.
Bryan Mbeumo for Manchester United
However, the 26-year-old has now failed to find the back of the net in each of his last four outings, with his showing against Newcastle United last time out one to forget.
Mbeumo started but was replaced in the 77th minute after failing to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, whilst also failing to find a teammate with any of his four crosses.
His struggles within the attacking areas also saw the big-money addition fail to register a shot on target, subsequently missing a big chance in the process.
Creativity has also been a key part of his game since switching to join the Red Devils, but the Cameroonian was unable to create a single chance for any of his teammates.
The United star who should replace Mbeumo against Villa
Throughout the years, United have had numerous left-footed stars who have impressed within the final third, but none more so than former fan-favourite Juan Mata.
juan-mata-man-utd
Juan Mata for Manchester United.
The Spaniard, who joined from Chelsea back in January 2014, spent eight years on the books at Old Trafford, often producing numerous moments of magic within attacking areas.
The now 37-year-old racked up 285 appearances for the Red Devils, subsequently scoring on 51 occasions and laying on 44 assists for his teammates in the process.
Mata was often tasked with operating in a number ten role or even off the right-hand side, helping the club win three major trophies during his time at the Theatre of Dreams.
He’s not the only player who’s featured in a similar role in recent times, with Ivorian star Amad Diallo also operating in such a position over the last few months.
Amad-1
The 23-year-old, who cost £36m back in January 2021, has often had to bide his time at United, even being sent on multiple loan spells to gain needed experience.
However, the youngster has become a key first-team member over the last couple of seasons, subsequently racking up 67 appearances in the last two years alone.
Last season was undoubtedly his best at the club, registering 11 goals and laying on eight assists - even doing so in a somewhat unnatural right-wing-back role.
Carrick’s arrival has seen Amad struggle to emulate his best form at Old Trafford, resulting in two substitute appearances in the last two league matches.
Man United's Michael Carrick and Amad Diallo
However, the temporary boss should look to recall him to his starting eleven this afternoon, with the Ivorian deserving of a chance to start over Mbeumo amid his recent struggles.
It would hand United a player with shades of Mata, with the youngster often being asked to feature in a number ten role or out wide when playing under Carrick.
The attacker has managed to register more shots on target than the Cameroonian in the last two outings, whilst also creating more chances - highlighting his all-around threat in the final third.
Amad Diallo - stats against Crystal Palace
Statistics
Minutes played
Touches
Shots on target
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Dribbles completed
Passes into final third
Ball recoveries
His subsequent figures are also comparable to those of Mata during his own time at Old Trafford, with Amad able to have a huge impact within attacking areas.
The clash with Villa this afternoon will certainly be a test of how far the Red Devils have come under Carrick, with the temporary boss having the chance to lead the club back to Champions League football.
Man-Utd-Michael-Carrick-Newcastle
However, if he is to have any chance of taking the club back to their former glory, he will need to unleash Amad at Old Trafford instead of Mbeumo to increase the chances of securing another victory.
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He could hand the Red Devils an instant solution.