Up to this point in his tenure at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim has demonstrated a remarkable ability to be “ruthless,” but this has been a matter of personal choice, a situation that will change with his next decision.
He has been candid about Marcus Rashford and has openly recognized his own limitations at times, showcasing his decisiveness throughout.
However, the challenge arises when the decision involves selecting between two favorable options rather than simply eliminating a negative one.
This is the dilemma that awaits the Manchester United manager as the team resumes play after the international break, particularly with the possibility of replacing a new favorite with the return of a former one at the forefront of his considerations.
Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd dilemma
To begin with, it is important to note that Amorim will appreciate having this dilemma, especially considering he has previously faced situations where injuries dictated his selections.
The positive aspect of those injuries is that players unexpectedly thrust into the limelight have performed admirably, thus providing him with additional options.
This is particularly evident in the two No. 10 roles within Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation.
Alejandro Garnacho has not only matured into a consummate professional, but Joshua Zirkzee’s positional adjustment has allowed him to excel in his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses.
Consequently, when Mason Mount returns—a player whom Amorim greatly admires and who will undoubtedly be part of his strongest Manchester United lineup—it presents a favorable dilemma.
Mount is ideally suited for the No. 10 role and is also capable of functioning as a deeper midfielder. Ironically, Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes dominate the deeper positions, while Zirkzee and Garnacho continue to show significant improvement in the attacking roles.
With Garnacho providing a unique asset through his direct approach that unsettles defenses, it is likely that Zirkzee, who has won Amorim’s favor with his tenacity and commitment, may find himself at risk of being sidelined.
Mason Mount or Joshua Zirkzee
Amorim will be optimistic that this is a choice he will frequently need to make, as it would indicate that Mount has successfully maintained his fitness over a prolonged period.
While Mount secures his place in the strongest starting eleven, Zirkzee has undoubtedly impressed everyone, shifting the discussion towards a tactical approach rather than a simple “backup versus first-choice” scenario.
In matches where United encounters a team employing a low defensive block, Zirkzee’s skillful ball control and ability to navigate tight spaces should be favored over Mount.
Conversely, Mount should be the preferred choice in high-stakes matches where United must intensify their pressing both on and off the ball, allowing his tactical awareness to shine.
Ultimately, this situation exemplifies the tactical versatility that a broader selection of players provides to the manager, a flexibility that Amorim will hope to enjoy for the foreseeable future.
However, this comes with the necessity of making a difficult decision.
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