Two Premier League outings without a win have left the Manchester United fanbase divided, as Ruben Amorim continues his progressive aspirations against Grimsby Town in a Carabao Cup tie on Wednesday evening.
A weekend draw at Craven Cottage dampened a growing sense of positivity in the North West, with never-ending reports of a disgruntled Kobbie Mainoo adding to the downturn in morale.
But Amorim remains committed to his pre-season goals, viewing the prospect of advancement to the third round of a domestic cup as an opportunity to boost confidence.
In Grimsby, the Portuguese tactician will face a side competing for promotion from England’s fourth tier, with Blundell Park set for a partisan evening with a loyal crowd in attendance.
David Artell’s men have enjoyed a bright start to the domestic campaign, seeing off Shrewsbury Town in the opening round while remaining unbeaten in five league outings en route to a fourth-place standing.
With eager Reds keeping one eye on Saturday’s arrival of newly-promoted Burnley, team selection will undoubtedly provoke ample debate as the prospect of rotation looms large for the former Sporting chief.
Manchester United team news
Addressing the elephant in Carrington, the first-team status of Mainoo has proven an arduous talking point, with multiple outlets suggesting the Stockport-born midfielder is open to a new challenge on the continent.
However, Amorim has been vocal in support of the 20-year-old. Having previously suggested holding big plans for the youngster, this will be tested on an evening when he surely earns playing time.
Benjamin Sesko has collected a little over an hour from the bench since his move from RB Leipzig and is in line to make the starting XI for a fixture that would present ideal circumstances for a new striker.
Although Noussair Mazraoui is working hard on an individual rehabilitation plan following an injury setback, the trip to Cleethorpes may come too soon.
“Maybe he [Mazraoui] is going to return next week, we will see,” Amorim told reporters on Sunday.
“But he’s near, we are just finishing some drills with him to be sure that he’s not going to have another problem.”
Lisandro Martinez is ruled out as he continues on the path towards recovery from a knee injury he suffered in February.
Although there is a significant difference in domestic standing today, United and the Mariners share a long history, with 37 meetings contested between the sides.
The first came in the old Division Two of the Football League in 1894, with Town earning a 2-1 win against Newton Heath despite the best efforts of John Clarkin.
You must travel back 77 years to 1948 for the last encounter as Jack Rowley salvaged a 1-1 draw for United in front of 12,284 eager eyes.
Interestingly, the only previous knockout affair came in an FA Cup fourth-round tie, when a travelling United contingent led by the great Joe Spence fell to a 1-0 defeat in 1931.
Given the importance of building momentum and aiding some crucial names to find the net, we suspect rotation around the inclusion of some leading figures.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (3-4-2-1): Onana; Heaven, Maguire, Fredricson; Amad, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dorgu; Zirkzee, Cunha; Sesko.
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