A largely positive Premier League campaign, all things considered, has left Ruben Amorim contemplating the public suggestion that his Manchester United side should target Champions League football.
Remember, this is a squad recovering from a 15th-place finish, with an attacking line coming to terms with the news that Benjamin Sesko will miss multiple games through injury.
As with any rebuild, there will be hiccups from time to time, evident in the trips to Manchester City and Brentford, as well as in the aggravating tendency to throw away winning advantages.
Still, England’s media darling remains just a point outside the top four, having played six of the country’s top 10 sides.
But the glaring absence of a domineering figure in Sesko leads to a new conundrum for the former Sporting supremo, with a variety of challenging tests against the likes of Everton, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth to come.
While there are numerous alternative structures to compensate for his absence, we have drawn up three possibilities that offer a range of advantages during the upcoming schedule.
Mount can add a different dimension to the Manchester United attack
Whether aggrieved with the £50+ million transfer fee, an injury-plagued debut campaign, or the club’s decision to hand him the iconic number seven shirt, Mason Mount has divided the United faithful.
Nonetheless, it’s hard to argue that he has thoroughly impressed in his nine outings this season.
A combination of a high footballing IQ, technical ability and relentless pressing dynamic, coupled with an elevated energy and work rate, offers an invaluable alternative.
Additionally, Mount’s inclusion presents the option to push Matheus Cunha further forward in the attacking three, elevating the fluidity and positional interchange within an exciting trio.
Ruben and his coaching department have long admired Cunha’s versatility and ability to play anywhere across the front line, as highlighted by the Theatre of Red months before his arrival.
His presence at the head of a United attack, with Bryan Mbeumo and Mount sitting behind, offers an altogether different assault through hold-up play, progressive ball-carrying and a variety of trade-offs.
Furthermore, the Brazilian is no stranger to leading the line, having done so for more of his career than not. While alternative options exist, and you lose the height of a big front man, this setup offers an unquestionable threat and a tantalising prospect in the opposition half.
If not now for Zirkzee, then when?
From Serie A Best Young Player to a 24-year-old limited to just 90 minutes of senior football this season. That is the reality for Joshua Zirkzee at a potentially critical juncture of his Manchester journey.
The former Bologna star has struggled to adapt to life in England, leaving many questioning his role within this squad under his Portuguese leader.
However, with his ability to link midfield and attack through clever positional play and technical prowess, his inclusion as one of the 10s provides ample threat on the transition.
Not only would it allow both Cunha and Mbeumo to advance further, but his height and physicality can also offer an outlet for Senne Lammens to distribute a long ball.
Although the Dutchman wouldn’t offer the same grace and movement as Mount, his size does present an intriguing option.
Furthermore, if he cannot gain playing time when Sesko is unavailable, it’s hard to fathom any future at Old Trafford.
Reconfiguring the right channel
The third and final lineup focuses on the addition of Noussair Mazraoui and the domino effect it inevitably creates.
With the Moroccan installed on the right side of Amorim’s setup, Amad would be pushed further forward into the 10, with Mbeumo naturally occupying the space left by Sesko.
Now, it goes without saying that there are pros and cons to this structure, namely the limitations of Mazraoui as a wing-back and the removal of a formidable partnership on the right wing.
But that does allow United’s biggest goal threat to move central, while also advancing Amad into an attack-first role to invest in his natural flair and dribbling ability.
Mbeumo has continued his Brentford form at Old Trafford, notching five in 11 outings and exceeding his expected goals by 1.80. His positional awareness is undeniable, and the Cameroon man has quickly become an integral cog.
Given the opportunity to flourish in a central role and this side’s recent chance creation, we may see a more clinical output in front of goal with a thoroughly exciting and energetic attack.
Whatever option Amorim chooses, the goal is three points and the continuation of an unbeaten run that stretches to five games.
Everton will provide a physical test on Monday evening and aim to build on a positive showing against Fulham before the international break.
As stated at the top, hiccups are inevitable in the process, and we will now see the Manchester United chief’s tactical proficiency in full flow.
Which of the three setups would you favour, or would you present an alternative? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com. Graphics via buildlineup.com.
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