Heads will almost certainly roll when Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim picks his starting XI for tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Burnley.
Anything other than a win will pile further pressure on the beleaguered head coach after a dismal defeat at the hands of Grimsby Town on Wednesday.
He will no doubt stick with players he trusts and sacrifice players that underperformed against the League Two minnows, of which there were many.
Defence
Andre Onana is likely to be the first name on the chopping block. Both of Grimsby’s goals came as a result of his errors and he was also seen arguing with his defenders on a number of occasions.
Altay Bayindir, despite his own gaffe against Arsenal, is likely to be recalled.
Leny Yoro has been hands-down United’s best player this season and will be recalled to the starting line-up alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw.
Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven will drop back to the bench, while Tyler Fredricson may be consigned back to the academy after looking out of his depth against the League Two side.
Wing backs and midfield
Amad had a very disappointing outing in midweek and he could be another player to be dropped. Amorim could let Diogo Dalot keep his place at right wing back, even though he, too, was very poor against the Mariners. Dalot is considered to be one of the head coach’s trusted lieutenants.
With Noussair Mazraoui still injured, there is little choice other than the two unless the boss was to play someone like Manu Ugarte, Mason Mount or Kobbie Mainoo out of position.
Patrick Dorgu will keep his place at left wing for similar reasons.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes will almost certainly return in central midfield after uninspiring efforts from Manu Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo.
Forwards
It seems likely that Amorim will want Mason Mount’s energy somewhere on the pitch, so this could be in the front three with Mateus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. That would mean Benjamin Sesko returning to the bench as he continues to learn the ropes at the club.
Josh Zirkzee is another option in the front three and looked sharp and creative when coming on as a sub on Wednesday.
This then is our predicted line-up for tomorrow’s 3pm kick-off:
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
