Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed that midfielder Mason Mount missed the match against Wolves due to a “minor” injury concern. Mount picked up an injury against Newcastle and was sent off at half-time in the 1-0 win over the Magpies.
Joshua Zirkzee was drafted into the starting eleven in Mount’s absence and was the only change from Newcastle’s win. In a pre-match conversation with Sky Sports, Amorim said of Mount: “He felt something, but I think it’s a small thing. I don’t think it will take long, but we don’t know. He’s not ready for this fight, but let’s focus on this match.”
Amorim surprised Newcastle manager Eddie Howe by deploying a four-back formation on Boxing Day, but Amorim reverted to a 3-4-3 in the first half against Wolves.
“He just plays his role and shows his talent. He’s a talented guy,” the Portugal coach said of Zirksee’s chance to prove his worth before the Dutchman scored the opening goal against Wolves. “He needs to step up in duels because he has time left and the fans love it. Just do his job and enjoy it.”
Despite United’s emphatic 4-1 win at Molineux earlier this month, Amorim warned his team not to underestimate their opponents. “It’s a totally different game,” he said of the Midland outfit.
“We have to be ready for everything because we don’t know what formation they will play. It’s a different team and we have the same responsibility. Man United, we need to put on our shirt, perform and win.”
Asked about United’s tactical set-up, Amorim added: “We will play with 11 players, but the formation is not the important thing. It is the spirit, the pace during the game and the formation can change during the game.”
