A well-recognized sense of Deja vu crept in in the course of the aftermath of Manchester United’s dismal derby defeat. Hadn’t we seen this one earlier than?
Sitting within the Sky Sports activities studio on the Etihad, greats of United’s previous – Roy Keane and Gary Neville – carried out the bi-weekly autopsy, analysing and debating the way forward for yet one more post-Sir Alex Ferguson supervisor.
The treble-winning duo had simply been pressured to witness what has grow to be a trademark show of the previous couple of years for the Crimson Devils. A efficiency with moments of encouragement, albeit with evident issues at each ends of the pitch.
A staff that may’t rating and easily cannot defend, as their -3 objective distinction can attest to, will not get very far amid what has grow to be an more and more aggressive Premier League.
These usually are not new points for the Outdated Trafford aspect, though new lows and new depths have been reached within the Ruben Amorim regime. 31 factors from 31 top-flight video games in cost, with a worse win ratio than any everlasting United supervisor post-World Conflict II.
The Portuguese coach has been steadfast in his unwillingness to change the much-maligned 3-4-2-1 system, however one thing merely has to alter. How about tweaking the beginning lineup, Ruben?
1
GK – Senne Lammens
It could be unfair to shift an excessive amount of of the blame for Sunday’s defeat onto beginning goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, though the Turkish worldwide hardly impressed a lot confidence but once more.
Certainly, a heavy contact within the early knockings nearly gifted a gap to Erling Haaland inside the realm, whereas the 27-year-old was far too simply overwhelmed by the Norwegian’s dinked effort to make it 2-0.
Whereas Gianluigi Donnarumma grew within the face of Benjamin Sesko bearing down on objective within the first half, Bayindir merely shrunk. Now could be the time to provide new man Senne Lammens a go as an alternative.
2
RCB – Leny Yoro
The weekend conflict could not have been Leny Yoro at his finest, having been withdrawn on the hour mark, though the Frenchman has been an actual vivid spark in 2025, after making his aggressive debut for the membership in December.
With tempo, energy and poise, {the teenager} has all of the makings of a world-class centre-back, with stories even suggesting that Amorim views him because the membership’s ‘subsequent Rio Ferdinand’ resulting from his innate composure within the backline.
Whereas his finest work did come as a left-sided centre-back final time period, it will be smart to proceed with the ex-Lille starlet on the other flank.
3
CB – Matthijs de Ligt
A starter in each league recreation thus far this season, Matthijs de Ligt has begun to develop into his function as a beginning choice at United, even when he was hardly error-free up in opposition to the relentless Haaland final outing.
Seemingly made for that central function within the again three, the Dutchman has the sting over Harry Maguire proper now, with the sight of the Englishman failing to catch Manchester Metropolis’s deadly quantity 9 having grow to be far too acquainted of late.
Maguire stays a priceless squad member in Amorim’s ranks, though Sunday once more outlined his weaknesses. That is De Ligt’s time now.
4
LCB – Ayden Heaven
Whereas Lisandro Martinez could look to fit again in amid his return from damage later this 12 months, the derby defeat showcased but once more the necessity for elevated mobility within the backline.
The diminutive Martinez cannot precisely provide that, though younger Ayden Heaven definitely can. At simply 18, the ex-Arsenal sensation just isn’t but the completed product, though as Wayne Rooney said final season, he seems to be like he is “been there for years”.
The velocity and power of Heaven might then see Luke Shaw lastly ousted at left centre-back, with the long-serving defender wanting worryingly off the tempo on the Etihad. Skipped previous by Jeremy Doku, and overpowered by Haaland, the 30-year-old has certainly outstayed his welcome in Manchester.
5
RWB – Noussair Mazraoui
One potential optimistic from the weekend defeat was the return of Noussair Mazraoui, with the Moroccan worldwide placing in a sometimes completed efficiency at proper wing-back, previous to his second-half withdrawal.
A participant seen by these on the membership as one in all their finest signings in years, the previous Bayern Munich man has the flexibility to fit in as a centre-back, though he might make the proper flank his personal as an alternative.
Elegant in possession and an industrious work out of it, Mazraoui is the kind of participant that this staff wants – they’re a greater aspect with him in it.
6
CM – Bruno Fernandes
The controversy surrounding Bruno Fernandes will proceed to rage on. Ought to United have sanctioned his Saudi change? Does Amorim must reinstate him within the quantity ten berth? Can he ever thrive as a part of a midfield two?
Whereas the skipper’s incapacity to trace Phil Foden for the sport’s opener showcased his shortcomings in that deep-lying berth, the dearth of ample alternate options ensures that this experiment should be continued.
A person who recorded 38 targets and assists final time period whereas largely working on this function, Fernandes has the standard to make it work. He simply wants an acceptable associate.
7
CM – Kobbie Mainoo
Pep Guardiola gripped the highest of his head in frustration as Kobbie Mainoo breezed his method by means of the Metropolis midfield, a second-half second that outlined simply why Amorim has to discover a everlasting function for the 20-year-old in his aspect.
At 33 and into the ultimate 12 months of his contract, Casemiro’s time at Outdated Trafford is sort of up. As for Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguayan warrior is up for the struggle, though lacks the technical prowess to match – notably rating in simply the underside 17% of European midfielders for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.
Mainoo is not excellent – Amorim has pressured that greater than most – though in a aspect that stinks of chaos, he could be the participant to deliver that much-needed sense of calm.
8
LWB – Amad
The participant to have made essentially the most touches within the penalty space on Sunday? It was not Haaland no, it was Patrick Dorgu with 12.
The younger Dane was the main outlet for the guests, though regardless of his common involvement, the 20-year-old’s lack of finish high quality was stark. As per Sofascore, he misplaced the ball on 17 events and efficiently accomplished simply one in all his 5 tried dribbles.
In reality, the dearth of another has ensured the January arrival stays in by default, though Amorim may very well be daring and unleash Amad in his place. A pure left-footer, the Ivorian has been trialled on the other flank, however why not give him an opportunity on the left as an alternative?
9
RAM – Bryan Mbeumo
Maybe the one vivid spark within the early weeks of the season, and within the derby, Bryan Mbeumo has been a uncommon astute signing if latest proof is something to go by, having netted in opposition to each Grimsby and Burnley final month.
Had it not been for the exceptional attain of Donnarumma, that tally would have been bolstered on Sunday, with the Cameroonian additionally unable to type his ft out from shut vary after Amad’s pull again.
A mix of silk, velocity and devastating ending, the 26-year-old is every little thing United have been crying out for. Let’s hope he would not get dragged down by Amorim’s sinking ship.
10
LAM – Matheus Cunha
This choice, within the short-term, could be health allowing, though if out there, new man Matheus Cunha is already a shoo-in for the beginning XI, even when objective contributions have been missing to this point.
On one other day, the Brazilian might have had a brace away at Fulham, with it hopefully not too lengthy earlier than he’s match and firing once more.
That left-sided quantity ten berth seems to be to be made for the previous Wolves talisman, with Mason Mount’s incapacity to remain off the remedy desk guaranteeing that, for all Amorim’s reward, the unlucky Englishman simply cannot be relied upon.
