Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has a headache ahead of Monday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth as AFCON causes havoc within the Red Devils squad.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim will have a few things on his mind ahead of Monday’s match against Bournemouth. Not only have the Red Devils been battling a series of injury issues, but they have also had to say goodbye to a number of key players.
Summer signing Brian Mbeumo will link up with his Cameroon teammates ahead of the start of the African Cup of Nations. The same can be said for defender Nousser Mazraoui, who was called up to the Moroccan national team for this tournament.
The last player to be called up was Amad, who was selected to represent Ivory Coast in the AFCON. As it stands, Amorim is unsure whether any of the trio will be able to play, but their departures have left him grappling with his options for the match against Bournemouth.
So who could the Portuguese coach call into his squad to replace them? Mirror Football considers the following:
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The choice is obvious for Amorim, who will start as goalkeeper, with summer signing Sene Lamence firmly cementing his place as number one at Old Trafford. However, the defense in front of him may look a little different.
Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire missed pre-match training with problems, and Mazraoui could be sidelined. As such, Luke Shaw could retain his spot while Lisandro Martinez could be a potential option as he accelerates his return.
Amorim may be tempted to bring Lenny Yolo back into the starting XI after Aiden Haven was left out in recent games against West Ham and Wolves.
What is the team name for Manchester United vs Bournemouth? Share your opinion in the comments section below
Amorim’s move to midfield made the decision a little easier. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are currently in great form and should remain in the team considering other issues.
With Amad potentially unavailable, the Red Devils’ options at wing-back are likely to be limited. Patrick Dorg would be an obvious option on the left, with Diogo Dalot potentially switching to the right.
Mason Mount finally appears to be back to his best form at Old Trafford and Amorim would be misguided to leave him out of the side. When it comes to attacking colleagues, the United manager is almost starved for options.
With both Mbeumo and Amad likely sidelined, Matheus Cunha should line up alongside Mount, with Joshua Zirkzee expected to lead the line as Benjamin Sesco remains sidelined.
Manchester United, Eleven vs. Bournemouth Prediction: Lamence. Yoro, Martinez, and Shaw. Dorg, Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Mount, Cunha, Zirkzee.
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