Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville noticed that two Reds struggled to work together in the contest against Arsenal.
MUFC began their Premier League campaign on Sunday by hosting Mikel Arteta’s side at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim’s men had the bulk of the chances, but they still came out empty-handed, as the Gunners resorted to their shrewd set-piece manoeuvres to score the goal that separated the two sides.
While the players looked dejected at the final whistle, the OT supporters seemed upbeat, as they showed their appreciation for the players who put on a solid effort.
Gary Neville wasn’t impressed with Amad Diallo & Bryan Mbeumo connection
Despite the general sense of optimism engulfing the club at the moment, fans and pundits were still irked by a few incidents or managerial decisions.
For instance, many faulted Amorim for trusting Altay Bayindir between the posts when Andre Onana had seemingly recovered from injury. Nevertheless, the Portuguese manager staunchly defended his decision, while insisting that the Turkish goalkeeper was fouled by William Saliba in the lead-up to the game’s solitary goal.
Moreover, others didn’t like how Kobbie Mainoo was kept on the bench in favour of Manuel Ugarte.
As for Neville, he agrees that Man Utd are in need of a new goalkeeper, but also didn’t like the connection between Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbuemo on the right flank.
The Cameroonian was given a starting debut as part of an attacking trident alongside fellow new signing Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, while the Ivorian was initially dropped to the bench.
Amad then replaced Diogo Dalot in the right wingback role, but he and Mbeumo seemed to be stepping on each other’s toes.
“Amad and Mbeumo just seem to get in each other’s way. Arsenal have so many bodies in the way,” noted Neville during the match while commentating on Sky Sports.
Ruben Amorim given real dilemma as he tries to accommodate Amad & Mbeumo
In fairness, fielding these two players in the same starting lineup has been a concern for many Man Utd fans. After all, they are both tricky and speedy left-footed wingers who like to receive the ball on the right flank before charging forward and cutting to the middle.
With Mbeumo being the exciting newcomer, Amad will seemingly have to carry the water and play as a wingback. Although he’s not a complete stranger to this role, it is still considered too deep for a player with such elusive attacking characteristics.
So, between finding the 22-year-old a suitable playing position, and helping him coexist with Mbeumo, managing Amad could be one of Amorim’s most challenging tasks this season.
