A trip to the Premier League’s bottom side awaits Ruben Amorim, as Manchester United visit the Black Country for a Monday evening outing against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Having surrendered maximum points in Thursday’s draw with West Ham, the Reds find themselves in eighth position, battling a backlash of frustration from an aggravated fan base.
Inevitably, in what has become an almost daily occurrence, Amorim’s suitability is again questioned, despite the Portuguese suffering defeat just once since October (W4, D3, L1).
But a growing collection of Jekyll-and-Hyde performances is too much for some to stomach, even though the majority of this squad are attempting to recover from a 15th-place finish.
Ironically, a win could propel United into a Champions League place and within touching distance of those battling for top honours.
Football is a funny old game, though. Although Rob Edwards’ side is yet to taste a league victory this season, the allure of adding to Ruben’s troubles provides a compelling incentive.
Manchester United Team News
Both Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko are expected to miss another outing due to separate individual setbacks, with the latter making good progress ahead of a December return.
But the availability of Matthijs de Ligt and Diogo Dalot remains uncertain ahead of a must-win fixture at Molineux. “I think so,” Amorim said when quizzed about whether the pair will play. “We’ll see.”
Kobbie Mainoo’s lack of first-team appearances continues to spark widespread social conversation.
The Portuguese tactician was questioned about the player’s future after another Premier League outing passed without a cameo.
“I see it,” he replied. “I see it, and I just want to win. I try to put the players. I don’t look who it is. I don’t care about that. I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch.
“You have [Manuel] Ugarte, that played two games. One of them, Case [Casemiro] was out. Bruno [Fernandes] is always fit, [and] is the guy that is doing his position. So maybe it has to do with that.”
Academy talent Shea Lacey was an unused substitute in the three previous domestic fixtures, with members of the media then deciding to probe his lack of senior gametime.
“Sometimes, when Bryan [Mbeumo] is not there, I put Amad [there] because I have other wing-backs to play and sometimes it’s hard,” he explained.
“So you are asking me why I don’t put Lacey to play, when I have other guys that are internationals, and also they are on the bench?
“So I try to put the best guys, the prepared guys, for this moment of the club, and try to win a game. That’s the only thing, guys.”
Despite the endless doom and gloom surrounding this one-time Manchester giant, Matheus Cunha and Co. have a real opportunity to build upon the momentum gained at Selhurst Park.
They will face a Wolves side that has suffered defeat in 12 of their 14 fixtures this season, collecting only two points from the 42 on offer.
But the prospect of a Premier League upset is always around the corner, and Amorim’s men must ensure they don’t endure a similar agony as his previous visit to the ground last December (a 2-0 defeat).
The fallout of anything other than three points will result in a catastrophic backlash from a weary supporter base that is crying out for consistency.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (3-4-2-1): Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez; Amad, Bruno, Casemiro, Shaw; Mbeumo, Mount; Cunha.
How do you feel ahead of our latest away outing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our socials.
(Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com)
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