Manchester United host Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday off the back of another damaging defeat to Manchester City, and former Ruben Amorim bomb squad sulk Alejandro Garnacho could face his old side
Saturday’s Premier League clash presents an opportunity for Ruben Amorim to ease some of the pressure following Manchester United’s derby defeat to Manchester City last weekend.
It will be interesting to see if his team can capitalise on not having European commitments, especially as their opponents Chelsea are coming off a midweek defeat away at Bayern Munich. Despite the defeat, Amorim insisted he won’t abandon his principles. However, with an average of just one point per game over this and the previous season, the Portuguese manager is facing scrutiny.
The weekend also offers a chance for one of United’s ex-stars to make an impact against his former club. Alejandro Garnacho has shown potential in a few substitute appearances for Chelsea since his summer transfer, and boss Enzo Maresca confirmed the winger could start.
The match on Saturday is one of three before the October international break that could significantly influence United’s season. They’re set to visit Brentford on 27 September, followed by a home game against Sunderland seven days later.
Amorim has received some good news ahead of the Chelsea match, with a couple of first-team players potentially returning from injury in just one of the latest updates from Old Trafford.
Cunha and Mount to return
Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount are both set to potentially feature against Chelsea on Saturday, having missed the Manchester derby due to injuries sustained in the win over Burnley. While their injuries aren’t as severe as initially feared, other players remain sidelined.
“[Diogo] Dalot is out, Mount and Cunha are in the squad,” Amorim informed journalists at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “[Lisandro] Martinez is still out. I think that is it.
The only other player unavailable is Tyrell Malacia, who remains with United after failing to secure a summer transfer. “Tyrell Malacia is returning to contact with team-mates and the ball in the U21s then we’ll see,” the Portuguese added.
Shearer sends warning to Amorim
You’d have to rewind to the 1992-93 Premier League season to find the last time Manchester United had as few points as they currently do. This sluggish start has led pundits to speculate about Amorim’s future, with former England striker Alan Shearer suggesting that another defeat this weekend could be the tipping point.
“I don’t think they can afford to be beaten [like they were against Manchester City] again this weekend,” Shearer told Betfair. “If they were then you’d have to fear for what’s going to happen going forward for the manager. Something must improve rapidly. Man United can’t be lingering in 14th/15th/16th in the Premier League.
“There hasn’t been an improvement at all up to now and that can’t continue with what they spent. There has to be something that gets them going and if that doesn’t happen quickly then everyone knows the rules when it comes to football management.”
Amorim met with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe where it’s reported by talkSPORT that he has been tasked with qualifying for European football this season by Ratcliffe. The United co-owner stressed to Amorim that on-field results must improve.
However, it’s reported by the Manchester Evening News that Amorim received reassurances from Ratcliffe that his position remains safe, with his contract running until the summer of 2027.
Rashford ‘learning’ after Champions League heroics
Marcus Rashford showcased his talent to his doubters with a brace in the Champions League against Newcastle on Thursday night. The England ace got off the mark for loan club Barcelona, netting a superb header before beating Nick Pope with an unstoppable strike, as Barca clung on for a 2-1 victory after Antony Gordon’s late finish..
“It is going good. I am obviously learning a lot,” Rashford shared with TNT Sports after his match-winning performance under the watchful eye of England manager Thomas Tuchel. “It is a new way of football. I’m enjoying it all and I think it is making me a better player.”
“That is what I am here to do – to help the team win, but also to try to improve and be the best that I can. It is an amazing experience. I have always been a huge admirer of Barcelona as most people my age have watched them play from when we were younger.”
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