A former Manchester United striker has named his ideal lineup for new boss Ruben Amorim – and Kobbie Mainoo is not in it.
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Amorim Man Utd's new boss Ex-player names ideal starting XI Red Devils ace Mainoo not in it Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Ahead of new boss Amorim taking charge of his first United game, ex-Red Devils forward Louis Saha has named his dream lineup for the current players at the club's disposal. The Frenchman appears to want a back three of Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, and Matthijs de Ligt, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui as wing-backs. He also wants a midfield of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, with Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund ahead of them. That means no place for Mainoo or Amad Diallo, either.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT LOUIS SAHA SAID
He told BoyleSports: "At the back I’m a big fan of Leny Yoro, he is a confident young player who has a lot to offer the team. He is a real star and I’m very confident about that. He also needs leaders to help him progress and I think Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez can provide that. Harry Maguire is another option, but I don’t expect to see Jonny Evans or Victor Lindelof. If he plays two in midfield, it is a very important position. Kobbie Mainoo is very good on the ball but you also need players who have power in there, you need to find that balance. Mainoo has quality but he needs to be given a more creative role. I could see Manuel Ugarte there in some games because he is what teams need at times, a monster in midfield. Out wide would be Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, they have shown plenty of versatility and ability to think quickly and bring the wingers into play. They even at times drift into the middle of the pitch to provide another option. I can see Rasmus Hojlund up front but he needs to improve, plus Marcus Rashford. I'm also a huge fan of Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho so it’s very hard to choose between them. It will be a case of who impresses Ruben Amorim the most in training.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
After Erik ten Hag's sacking, pressure is on for former Sporting CP boss Amorim to hit the ground running at United. He has a huge task on his hands, especially as they are 13th in the Premier League, but getting his team selection right early on may be vital.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Amorim's first match in charge at United is an away trip to lowly Ipswich Town at Portman Road on November 24 in the Premier League. It will be interesting to see what team the 39-year-old picks for that one.
