Amorim will have sleepless nights ahead of Arsenal test, two influential stars ruled out, another a doubt

Manchester United thrashed Everton 4-0 on Sunday as Ruben Amorim picked up his first Premier League win at Old Trafford since taking over.

Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford, both linked with January exits after a poor start to the campaign, grabbed a brace apiece as the Red Devils showed intensity on the pitch, something that will please the Portuguese.

The team have not lost since Erik ten Hag’s sacking and have picked up back-to-back wins under the new boss and are building up a head of steam ahead of their crucial clash against Arsenal in midweek.

Despite the impressive win, Amorim will have sleepless nights ahead of Wednesday’s game as he will be without two influential stars while the participation of the club captain remains a major doubt.

Lisandro, Mainoo out

Lisandro Martinez once again started on the left side of the defence but will miss the game against the Gunners after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign.

Amorim has avoided putting too much pressure on the injury-prone Luke Shaw recently but will need the England international to step up at the Emirates as he is likely to start in the absence of any other left-footed centre-back.

Kobbie Mainoo, who made his long-awaited return from injury against the Toffees, also saw his fifth yellow card of the season on Sunday and will miss the game.

Bruno Fernandes’ ankle is wrapped in ice. 😬🧊 pic.twitter.com/8UhyaqVkub

— Football Xtra™ (@FootballXtra0) December 1, 2024

The academy graduate was unlikely to start against Mikel Arteta’s team anyway given his fitness, but he will not make the matchday squad now.

The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss has not been afraid of rotating his squad for every game with Manuel Ugarte likely to play from the start against the team from North London. It will be interesting to see who his partner will be come Wednesday.

Bruno a doubt

In worse news, Bruno Fernandes, who grabbed two assists against Everton, was subbed off after 65 minutes but was spotted icing his ankle while sitting in the dugout.

That might indicate a knock and Amorim will be praying that the captain can make it for the game. The Portugal international has certainly returned to form in recent weeks and he has seven goal involvements in as many games.

Amorim will need all the help he can get if the club are to claim a famous win in London with Arsenal second in the table, six points ahead of the 20-time English league champions.

A win could truly kickstart Amorim’s reign and such is the confidence among supporters that despite the absentees, fans are excited to see what the head coach will cook up for the tasty encounter.

Feature image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

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