Manchester United have endured yet another topsy-turvy start to the season, but Ruben Amorim is determined to turn things around and remains stubborn in his belief that his cast-iron system will remain the philosophy implemented.
For better or for worse. The Red Devils welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford on Saturday evening as they look to claim a second Premier League win of the season, and it’s crucial that they indeed score some points on the board and climb away from the foot of the division, having so shockingly finished 15th last year.
Having been trounced in the Manchester derby last weekend, Amorim will be feeling rather hot under the collar, aware that more misery might spell the end of his turbulent tenure, less than a year after his appointment.
The Portuguese tactician has been buoyed, however, by Matheus Cunha’s return to fitness, with the Brazilian forward having injured his hamstring before the September international break.
Why Cunha's return is so important
He’s yet to get off the mark for Manchester United this season after joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a bumper £62.5m package this summer, but Cunha, 26, has only played two full 90s in the Premier League so far, forced off after only half an hour with a hamstring injury against Burnley.
Described as having the qualities to be “one of the most transformational United players” by writer Wayne Barton, Cunha is the real deal, proven within the English game and boasting one of the most dynamic attacking skillsets across Europe.
United might have sold Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea – a warm welcome back to the Theatre for him on Saturday – and loaned Marcus Rashford out to Barcelona, but this versatile attacking force, usually out on the left but called into a number nine berth across the opening weeks of the term, has the chance to erase such former stars from the fanbase’s mind with a string of impressive showings.
We’ve already seen what he can do in a red shirt, and having been confirmed fit for this forthcoming fixture, all eyes will be riveted on him when the ball is claimed and space is found in the danger area.
However, he’s not the only one who could make an impact, and Amorim should consider unleashing his new version of Rashford on Enzo Maresca’s Blues.
Amorim's new version of Rashford
Rashford was once a superstar under the Old Trafford lights, but there’s no doubt that he ebbed and he flowed, and that his finest days as a Manchester United man passed some time ago.
But in Amad Diallo, Amorim might be guiding the new version to the fore.
Amad is still only 23, and came into his own as a United first-teamer last term, notching 21 goal involvements across 43 matches in all competitions.
69 games he has played in total for the club, posting 14 goals and 13 assists. Singled out by Sky Sport pundit Jamie Carragher for his “sensational” performances in a poor team last season, he must be unleashed in a role fit for his skillset against Chelsea, who boast an overload of firepower themselves.
Described as a “wizard” of a winger by journalist James Copley, Amad’s fast, furious dribbling style and innate potency have allowed him to cement a place in Amorim’s matchday squad. A strong grasp of the technical side of the attacking game is what he has, that and an eye for the spectacular.
Remind you of anyone? Was it not Thursday evening that Rashford rifled in from range to sink the Magpies around St. James’ Park? It was a bittersweet one to watch for those of a Man United persuasion, but not all that surprising for those aware of exactly what the Three Lions star is capable of.
As per FBref, the Ivorian winger ranks among the top 4% of positional peers for pass completion, the top 16% for shot-creating actions and the top 10% for progressive carries per 90, emphasising his ball-carrying skill, yes, but also the creative spark which could be crucial in serving a forward such as Cunha with ammunition from which to strike on goal.
A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent’s goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or is carried into the penalty area.
Amad’s tactical range has been showcased across his years as a professional so far, but if Amorim opts to deploy him alongside Mbeumo in a more advanced berth than the wing-back role he has been placed in three times already this season, his attacking strengths could be maximised, thus providing United with the balance and fluency they need to finally make things tick.
Right winger
128
42 (35)
Attacking midfield
33
10 (3)
Centre-forward
22
9 (1)
Left winger
20
9 (4)
It’s curious that the nifty forward manages to maintain a degree of prolificness no matter where he is positioned across the frontline, and that’s something Amorim has clearly latched onto.
Rashford, too, could play in different berths, and though each prefers a different foot, there is much the same about their shared directness and natural goalscoring sense.
In November 2024, with United at a low ebb, only Rashford and Amad were in the positive in regard to xG totals, as per Statman Dave.
Given that that trend has continued into the current campaign, with no Premier League side having created a higher xG total than 14th-placed Man United, someone of Amad’s clinical calibre must now stand up and turn things around for Amorim and the club.
