Ruben Amorim faced his first defeat as Manchester United boss, losing 0-2 against Arsenal away at the Emirates Stadium in London on Wednesday.
The Portuguese once again opted to rotate his squad as his team tried to control the tempo instead of going on the offensive, a ploy that worked in the first half.
But the home side eventually scored twice through their set-piece supremacy with the Gunners winning 13 corners to United’s zero.
Looking back, Amorim could have instructed his players to go for the jugular from the word go as the team had done in the three previous games under the new head coach.
Amorim should have started more strongly
He should have started his strongest team at North London with in-form Amad Diallo only emerging as a second-half substitute at right wing-back.
He was too hot to handle for bumbling Arsenal full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko and the Ivorian would have been a safer bet to start than the non-existent threat of Mason Mount.
But Amorim has take heed and as per Givemesport, he plans to utilise Amad in a far more attacking position moving forwards.
The Ivory Coast international shone as the No 10 during his loan spell at Sunderland, and he will get his chance to play alongside the striker in games to come instead of his current wingback role.
This will likely happen when either Tyrell Malacia regains full fitness or when the club sign a left wingback to free up Diogo Dalot to play on the right.
“Sources have stated that Diallo is also admired as an attacking midfield player, and he could also be deployed in one of the central roles alongside Bruno Fernandes that support the striking contingency.
Dalot to play higher up
“Therefore, it would not be a surprise to see the Portuguese tactician implement his big idea for the ex-Atalanta youngster once more of his playing squad have fully acclimatised to the understanding of his system.
“Diogo Dalot will be the prime candidate to play where Diallo is currently performing now, should the Ivorian move central – and that will become even more viable once United’s left-back duo Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are fit, though United could also look to sign someone for that role in January.”
Judging from Amad’s explosive attacking qualities, his pressing ability and his creativity, it is imperative that United play him as high up as possible once the players come to grips with the coach’s demands.
While he has impressed as a wingback, the 22-year-old can offer so much more when deployed in the right attacking role. Hopefully, Amorim can unlock his true potential soon.
Feature image Naomi Baker via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
