Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United are into the fifth round of the FA Cup – despite Harry Maguire standing offside to nod home the Red Devils’ winner
Ruben Amorim is yet to weather his Manchester United storm.
The Portuguese boss predicted high winds were on the horizon and, in the resulting weeks, the Red Devils have failed to batten down the hatches. United were poor, again, on Friday evening – with Harry Maguire’s winner doing so much as papering over the cracks.
And as the Red Devils make the fifth round of the FA Cup, Daily Star Sport has a look at what Amorim got wrong and what he got right on a freezing cold evening in the North West.
Patrick Dorgu’s position
United fans couldn’t wait to get a glimpse of their new full-back – only to see him deployed on the right.
Dorgu was pinched form Serie A side Lecce thanks to his standout performances from left-back. However, he was started at right-back with Diogo Dalot deployed on the left – much to the annoyance of those at Old Trafford.
“We signed a Dorgu to play him RWB so we can accommodate Dalot,” one fan fumed. While a second said: “I came for Dorgu, I’ll see y’all next game…”
Rasmus Hojlund’s movement
The clock is ticking for Rasmus Hojlund at United – he came amid fanfare and those who initially believed in him to be their new No.9 have started to turn their backs on the Danish striker.
Hojlund just didn’t offer enough up top on Friday evening; his movement was almost non-existent. Too many times United would be on the break and just bypass Hojlund – Amorim needs to work out a way to bring him into play.
“Antony and Hojlund. Two of the worst signings in United history,” one fan fumed. While a second said: “It took Zirkzee four months to do what Hojlund will try to do the whole season…”
Keeping hold of Alejandro Garnacho
It was a dire performance from the Red Devils – but there was one bright spark – Alejandro Garnacho.
The wing wizard was at his wandered best as he weaved in and out of the Leicester City defence – and he was instrumental in as Amorim’s side fired level at Old Trafford. He changed the whole complexion of United’s attack, and proved why they were correct to keep hold of him.
“Actual humans with brains wanted United to sell Garnacho,” one fan joked. While a second said: “This Garnacho performance is absolutely fascinating stuff!”