The cool demeanor that Ruben Amorim once displayed is beginning to fade in Manchester, with the slick Portuguese coach already showing signs of wear and tear given the size of the job at his disposal.
Branding his team as “perhaps the worst” in Manchester United’s history shows that the frustration and pressure is mounting, and although Amorim tried to provide clarity ahead of Rangers’ visit, such gaffes are bound to be pounced on.
After their 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, the Red Devils will be looking to bounce back and secure a win over the Gers that would give them a very strong position in the league stage table heading into the final day of the game. United are currently in the top eight but Rangers are hot on their heels.
This is how United could play at Old Trafford.
TW: Andre Onana – After making another mistake at the weekend that resulted in a goal, Amorim was able to take the easy option and turn to Altay Bayindir following his heroics in the FA Cup. But this is an important game and Onana should get the support of his boss.
CB: Leny Yoro – Yoro should return to his preferred team as Amorim will make a change in their defense from Sunday.
CB: Harry Maguire – With Jonny Evans sidelined and Victor Lindelof not yet ready to return, Maguire will need to sit comfortably in the back three.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – The Argentine was an unused substitute against Brighton, but his return to the team allows Yoro to switch to his natural right side.
RWB: Diogo Dalot – Dalot has played a lot of football this season – far too much in the eyes of many fans. In Amorim’s eyes he seems unbeatable, so a new start here is likely.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – Ugarte, another trusted deputy to the manager, will face Rangers’ troublesome ball-winner Nico Raskin at Old Trafford.
CM: Christian Eriksen – There should be some rotation in the middle of the park following Brighton’s success at the weekend. Kobbie Mainoo could be dropped in favor of Eriksen, who has provided some big moments in the league phase so far.
LWB: Tyrell Malacia – The Dutch full-back has only played sporadically since his return from a long-term knee injury. With Noussair Mazraoui given a breather, Malacia could make a rare start.
AM: Amad Diallo – Amad saved United’s spirits against the worst team in the Premier League exactly a week before kick-off on Thursday, but the lively Ivorian showed no heroics at the weekend. Up to this point he was the star of the Amorim era.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – Fernandes wasn’t too bad either and many of his best performances, much like United’s under the Portuguese coach, were saved for the biggest occasions. He has yet to score in the league phase, but he scored a penalty on Sunday.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – After sitting on the bench at the weekend, Hojlund is expected to take the reins at United given his impressive record in the Europa League. The young Dane is by far their best goalscorer, scoring five out of six goals.