Ruben Amorim’s Bold Choices Pay Off in Manchester Derby
Ruben Amorim made some big moves before the derby between Manchester United and Manchester City. He shocked fans by leaving out Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the matchday squad. People were also surprised that Kobbie Mainoo was benched, but dropping Rashford and Garnacho was a real head-turner.
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Both players are important to United. Rashford has made some great derby memories. Garnacho is one of their top young players. But Amorim stayed strong and showed he can make tough calls. His gamble worked out. United won 2-1 with a thrilling late score at the Etihad.
If United had lost, Amorim might have faced a lot of criticism. But former goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer didn’t think it was as shocking as it seemed. On The Optus Sport Football Podcast, he talked about Rashford’s and Garnacho’s recent struggles.
Even if United had lost, I don’t think people would have gone too hard on him, Schwarzer said. Rashford hasn’t really been at his best lately. Garnacho has had some ups and downs, and maybe his attitude caused some tension with the fans, which likely led to Amorim’s choices.
Schwarzer thinks Amorim’s move could help change the vibe at Manchester United and send a strong message to the team. He can lay down the law, he said. He hasn’t been in charge long, but these tough decisions show he’s setting the tone for his team.
Amad Diallo Shines Under Amorim
With all these changes, Amad Diallo is really shining. The 22-year-old has started every league game since Amorim took over and had an amazing performance in the derby, scoring the winning goal and earning a penalty.
Football expert Julien Laurens praised Diallo’s flexibility. Amorim has used him as a wing-back and in a more attacking midfield role. He’s likely been United’s best player since Amorim arrived, Laurens noted. He started as a right wing-back, but Amorim saw he could do more as an inside player. He’s getting the most out of him, especially against strong teams like City.
Laurens added that Diallo’s sharp attacking skills made a difference. Amorim moved him inside because he believed there was more there. Against City, Diallo’s knack for staying close to the last defender was key, as we saw with his goal.
