Forget Fletcher: Amorim now ready to unleash 18yo sensation vs Leeds, fans will be delighted
Manchester United are set to face Leeds United in the hostile territory of Elland Road tomorrow.
This Premier League clash is about far more than three points, with pride, bragging rights and decades of rivalry adding extra edge to the occasion.
Manager Ruben Amorim heads into the contest under severe pressure, having already ruled out as many as eight senior players through injury and unavailability.
That crisis was evident last week, when a heavily rotated United side were held to a frustrating draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.
United’s attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee lacked fluidity and looked disjointed.
Zirkzee did manage to get his name on the scoresheet thanks to a heavy deflection, but his overall impact failed to convince.
Amorim hooked the Dutch forward at half-time, a decision that raised eyebrows among supporters.
The head coach later clarified that the substitution was purely tactical, revealing his desire for Zirkzee to drop deeper and contribute more defensively.
He is likely to move out on loan with an obligation to buy at AS Roma in this winter transfer window.
He has failed to cement a regular role under Amorim and appears ill-suited to the demands of the 3-4-3 system.
Full debut for Shea Lacey
With options limited, Shea Lacey could be handed his first senior start in what would be a huge leap of faith from Amorim.
The 18-year-old is naturally a right winger, but his intelligence and close control make him an intriguing option in a more central role.
After several weeks as an unused substitute, Lacey finally made his senior debut in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
Introduced in the 84th minute, he wasted no time, testing Emiliano Martinez with a trademark effort after cutting inside from the right.
That brief cameo hinted at the creativity United have sorely lacked in the absence of Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Kobbie Mainoo.
Lacey could be deployed as the right-sided number ten, with Amorim expected to persist with his 3-4-3 shape.
There is no escaping the fact that Elland Road is one of the most unforgiving stages imaginable for a first start.
However, opportunities at this level are rare. If Lacey gets the nod, it will be a chance he simply cannot afford to let slip.
Jack Fletcher and Bendito Mantato could be given chances from the bench again.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .