“They Don’t Work Together!” – Rúben Amorim Warned to Drop Struggling Man Utd Duo and Start ‘Perfect’ Star vs Man City
Former Man Utd coach urges Amorim to rethink his attacking plans ahead of the Manchester Derby – and backs Mason Mount to make the difference.
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has been warned about a potential mistake ahead of Sunday’s huge clash against Manchester City — starting a striker duo that simply “doesn’t work.”
The Red Devils returned from the March international break with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in midweek. Despite creating plenty of chances — 23 shots, six on target, and three big opportunities — United still failed to score. The team looked better in terms of passing and composure, but the finishing was once again lacking.
Now, with the Manchester Derby coming up at Old Trafford and a Europa League quarter-final against Lyon just days away, Amorim needs to make some key decisions — and fast.
Many fans have called for Rasmus Højlund to lead the line with Joshua Zirkzee playing behind him in a deeper role. But former United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has strongly advised against this idea, saying the two forwards don’t work well together.
“Højlund and Zirkzee are not working as a pair up front,” Meulensteen said this week. “Højlund cannot do it alone, and Zirkzee is not really a striker either — he is more of a ‘nine and a half’. He should drop deeper and help link the play, but against Forest, he was almost invisible.”
Meulensteen also explained that Højlund thrives when he gets early balls played behind the defenders, especially from wide areas. But United are overcomplicating things, often delaying their attacks, allowing defenders to get back and shut down any chances.
Instead of trying to force a partnership that does not work, Meulensteen believes Amorim should turn to a different option — Mason Mount. The former Chelsea midfielder has been out since December with a hamstring injury, but he made his return against Forest and has now been training fully for weeks.
Amorim has previously called Mount’s training and attitude “perfect,” and now could be the right time to reward him with a starting spot.
If Mount is brought into the starting XI on the left side of the attack, Amorim could drop Zirkzee to the bench and allow Højlund to lead the line on his own — a move that may bring out the best in both players.
The striker debate isn’t the only decision the manager faces. Alejandro Garnacho has been criticised for his recent performances, meaning his spot is far from guaranteed. There’s also uncertainty in midfield, where Amorim could consider dropping either Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte to allow Bruno Fernandes to play deeper and take more control of the game.
Sunday’s Manchester Derby is a must-win for United if they want to boost their league position and confidence before their European tie against Lyon. But if Amorim gets his lineup wrong — especially in attack — it could be a long afternoon at Old Trafford.
