December 5th 2024.
Ian Wright was taken aback by Ruben Amorim's decision on the starting lineup for the match against Arsenal. The former Arsenal striker was surprised to see that both Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford were not included in the starting eleven, with the latter being left on the bench. This came as a shock, especially since both players had been in excellent form recently, with Diallo recording three assists in the last two games and Rashford scoring in the previous match against Everton.
In the buildup to the match, Rashford had expressed his excitement and readiness to face the Gunners, so it was unexpected to see him not in the starting lineup. Even Wright, who was commentating on the game, couldn't hide his surprise and questioned why Diallo and Rashford were not given the chance to start. He believed that Diallo's performance in the last two games should have been enough to earn him a spot in the starting eleven, while Rashford's pace and previous success against Arsenal made him a viable option.
As the match began, it was revealed that Tyrell Malacia, who had not played in the Premier League for 556 days, was starting for Manchester United. This was a big opportunity for the young player, but also a challenging task as he was up against the talented Bukayo Saka. United legend Gary Neville was unsure about the decision to start Malacia, but fellow pundit Roy Keane saw it as a chance for the manager to assess the player's abilities in a big game.
Amorim's lineup was met with criticism from Sky Sports commentator Clinton Morrison, who compared the manager's approach to a video game. He believed that Amorim was treating every player as if they were on trial and that Rashford should have been given the chance to cause problems for the Arsenal defense with his pace. Morrison also felt that the team selection was too defensive and that Rashford's inclusion could have provided a much-needed attacking threat for United.
Overall, it was clear that Amorim's decision on the starting lineup had surprised and divided opinions among the football experts. While some questioned the omission of Diallo and Rashford, others saw it as an opportunity for other players to shine. Only time would tell if the manager's unconventional approach would pay off against a tough opponent like Arsenal.
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