Four things Ruben Amorim needs to work on at Man Utd during international break

Manchester United have an opportunity to build on their momentum after the November international break.

The Red Devils head into the break on a five-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League after rescuing a point in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

Ruben Amorim was disappointed at the draw after watching his side throw away a lead in North London, but as the Portuguese head coach suggested, it was a game that United would have likely lost last season.

There have been undeniable signs of progress this season, but there are still some noticeable flaws within the squad.

Addressing those flaws will be Amorim’s top priority over the break. Here are four things the United boss can work on.

Kobbie Mainoo’s game time

Amorim admits that Kobbie Mainoo deserves more minutes. So far this season, the Carrington graduate has only played 138 minutes of Premier League football.

Mainoo could leave on loan in January if he continues to be starved of game time. Finding more opportunities for the 20-year-old should be a top priority for Amorim.

Considering Kobbie Mainoo was left out of the England squad, Amorim will have plenty of time to share with him at Carrington over the break.

When the Premier League campaign resumes, Mainoo deserves a shot at breaking into the starting XI.

Second-half performances

United’s collapse against Tottenham was not the first time Amorim watched his players throw away what could have been three points.

In fact, United are yet to win a second half in the Premier League, and that is a major concern.

The Red Devils are starting brightly, but clearly, players are either losing focus or running out of energy after the break. It is up to Amorim and his staff to address this immediately.

Playing around a central striker

Benjamin Sesko is being criticised for his start at United, despite having scored twice in the Premier League.

He is facing similar issues that Rasmus Hojlund faced at United, including Sesko ‘overthinking’ chances during matches.

Ultimately, United have not been good at utilising a centre-forward for a while now. Even Matheus Cunha finds himself less involved when playing centrally.

Sesko’s injury is not severe, so hopefully the 22-year-old is back in action sooner rather than later. When he returns, Amorim needs to adjust the system so he is more involved.

Becoming less reliant on Casemiro

The first-choice midfield duo this season has been captain Bruno Fernandes alongside the experienced Casemiro.

Casemiro has been revitalised this season, to the point where Ineos have now opened talks for a new deal.

But United are becoming over-reliant on Casemiro. As soon as the Brazilian leaves the pitch, United tend to crumble defensively.

Hopefully, Casemiro can continue his impressive form, but Amorim will need to transition away from using the Brazilian so often.

 

But United are becoming over-reliant on Casemiro. As soon as the Brazilian leaves the pitch, United tend to crumble defensively.

Hopefully, Casemiro can continue his impressive form, but Amorim will need to transition away from using the Brazilian so often.