1/7 duels won, 0 crosses: Amorim must now drop £27m United star vs Rangers, lost the ball 8 times - opinion
Manchester United suffered their 10th defeat of the Premier League campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
The Seagulls have been a bogey club for United in recent years, winning five of the previous six league meetings between the two sides.
Brighton came on top again with a 3-1 win at Old Trafford. Several United players failed to live up to expectations.
Noussair Mazraoui was particularly poor. The Moroccan’s form has dipped lately, and he had another tough outing.
The 27-year-old won one out of seven duels contested and lost possession on eight occasions.
He was dribbled past twice and did not manage a single cross. Mazraoui’s poor awareness led to Kaoru Mitoma’s goal at the hour mark.
The £27 million-rated star could not cope with the Japanese and also failed to cut out the cross for Yankuba Minteh’s opening goal.
The former Bayern Munich star needs to be dropped for the Europa League clash against Rangers amid his poor run of form.
Mazraoui probably requires a breather after the heavy workload over the festive period. Amad Diallo should start in the right-wing-back role.
This would allow Alejandro Garnacho to partner Bruno Fernandes in attacking midfield.
United’s form has been hugely inconsistent under Amorim, and they are now 12 points behind the final Champions League spot after 22 top-flight games.
Champions League qualification through the league seems unlikely. They may have to win the Europa League to make it to the elite European competition.
United are seventh in the league phase of the Europa League. Another win could be enough to finish in the top eight and avoid the knockout play-off round.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.
Article written by Sri Aswin .