Ruben Amorim is anticipated to implement a number of changes to his starting line-up for the Manchester derby on Sunday, although there is a divergence of opinion among two sources regarding the participation of one explosive option for Manchester United.
The derby arrives at a pivotal moment for both Man Utd and Manchester City, as both teams have struggled at the beginning of this season. A victory would signify a turning point from their sluggish starts, while a defeat would contribute to the prevailing sense of despair.
Amorim is confronted with several critical selection choices across various positions. With Andre Onana transferring to Trabzonspor on loan, he must decide between the less convincing Altay Bayindir or risk introducing new signing Senne Lammens for his debut.
Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount are both uncertain for the match due to injuries sustained during the dramatic late victory over Burnley before the international break.
Should either player be unavailable, it could create an opportunity for Benjamin Sesko to make his first start in the Premier League.
Additionally, if Bruno Fernandes is utilized in one of the No 10 positions, Kobbie Mainoo – who sought a loan move during the transfer window due to limited opportunities – might be brought back into the deeper midfield roles.
When asked to predict the eleven players he believes Amorim will choose, reputable journalist Carl Anka shared his thoughts on the Talk of the Devils podcast, indicating that he expects Bayindir to be favored over Lammens.
Anka’s complete prediction for the starting eleven was: GK: Bayindir; DEF: Leny Yoro, Matthis De Ligt, Luke Shaw; MID: Mazraoui, Casemiro, Mainoo, Dorgu; ATT: Mbeumo, Sesko, Fernandes.
The eye-catching omission – assuming Mount and Cunha aren’t fit enough to start – is Amad Diallo.
Fellow reporter, Laurie Whitwell, then made the case why he believes Amad will get the nod…
Amad could repeat last season’s heroics
Whitwell said: “I kind of find myself agreeing with Carl which is really annoying because I want to have a debate! But Amad is the one.
“I know you shouldn’t necessarily go off the fixture last season but there is something to that I think.
“Managers do pick players when they’ve had a good run against a certain team or in a certain stadium. So could he start instead of Marzaoui?
“Mazraoui hasn’t started a game for a while so I would maybe go Amad instead of Mazraoui and say ‘let’s give it a go’ against Man City, that high line, Amad on the balls down the line or flick-ons, that kind of thing to unlock that high line.”
When asked if Amad could start in one of the dual No 10 roles, thus allowing Fernandes to remain in the deeper position and remove the need to select Mainoo, Anka added: “Yes, in theory.
“But I don’t seen Amorim doing that. I think if he is going to play someone other than Bruno as a 10 it’ll be [Joshua] Zirkzee.
“If only for his superior hold-up play if you’re going for those direct attacks, it’s better to have a six-footer there.”
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