3/10 Manchester United star ‘needs a break from the eleven’

Ruben Amorim’s polarized tactical set-up relies on fluent and efficient wing-backs. But establishing a winning formula down the wing has proved difficult for the Manchester United manager, who is in his first year in charge at Old Trafford.

Brian Mbeumo’s combination on the right side is an imperfect combination, but there’s a lot to like about this forward-footed, dynamic dimension.

The same cannot be said for Patrick Dorg on the left, with Amorim admitting last week that there is an “uneasy” atmosphere on the ball at the moment.

These are harsh words, but they are not without some ring of truth. The Red Devils lack a viable option on the left flank, with Diogo Dalot replacing him. But he still leaves much to be desired, as United’s come-from-behind victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday made clear.

Dalot flatters to deceive at Selhurst Park

Dalot has struggled under Mr Amorim and has struggled to adapt to the new system. In fact, content creator Liam Canning said a month ago that the Portuguese defender “doesn’t look suited for a wing-back role” and is “worrying for the long term”.

That statement rang true against Palace at the weekend, when the intensity and aggression increased after the break.

Content creator Adam Joseph said his left side feels “completely toothless,” but there are signs of life.

According to Sofascore, Dalot won eight duels in the afternoon, made one successful tackle and recovered the ball six times. However, he attempted and missed two crosses and failed to create any chances. This shows an on-the-ball imbalance that Amorim has yet to resolve.

But given that Dorg’s arguments are so unconvincing and there are so few alternatives, dramatic disruption is unlikely in the near future.

However, Amorim may be looking to cut and change other parts of the backline.

Amorim needs to drop Manchester United star from 3/10

Manchester United are expected to improve this season, but there is still a lot to cover before Amorim’s tenure can be seen as a success.

He may have to make some tough decisions going forward, one of which focuses on offloading Lenny Yolo, who has struggled lately and needs to be brought back to the bench.

Yoro, 20, is regarded as one of the most talented centre-backs in the world and United recorded a coup d’état, beating out Liverpool and Real Madrid for his signature.

However, he has been out of form this season and journalist Nathan Salt believes he needs to step away from the XI to regain his confidence.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s controversial penalty to put the hosts up 1-0 before half-time was controversial, but Yoro was to blame. The Manchester Evening News gave him a match rating of 3/10 after an error-filled performance in which he went crazy before the hour mark.

The timing is at least coincidental. Lisandro Martínez has made his long-awaited return from injury and Butcher, who is in great form, will surely secure a starting spot in Amorim’s team.

Yoro is strong on the ball and a progressive passer, ranking in the top 14% of his position-mates in the Premier League this season in shot creation actions per 90, according to FBref, but he has also lacked confidence.

United fans should remain excited for a dynamic and promising defender who has the necessary qualities to become one of the best players in the business. But for now, he needs to put the brakes on his campaign.

After the match, content creator Adam Joseph admitted the Frenchman was “going through a tough period in his development” but said he would bounce back quickly as “last season was great”.

That is true, but for now, especially now that Martinez is fit to play again, Amorim would be wise to keep the young centre-half out of action.