Manchester United secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on December 26, 2023, at Old Trafford, showcasing their resilience amid an injury crisis. The win was marked by a stunning volley from Patrick Dorgu, which left Newcastle’s goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, with little chance to respond. However, the match took a toll on the squad, with Mason Mount leaving the field at halftime due to an unspecified injury, prompting concerns about his availability for the upcoming match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With Mount’s status uncertain, manager Ruben Amorim faces significant decisions regarding his team’s formation and personnel. United’s tactical approach in the first half, which employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, proved effective. This setup allowed the team to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities, although they were forced to defend under pressure in the second half.
Amorim now has three potential strategies to consider for the match against Wolverhampton. One option is to retain the 4-2-3-1 formation and replace Mount with Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee has demonstrated versatility, excelling in roles as both a centre-forward and an attacking midfielder. However, utilizing him alongside Benjamin Sesko would mean leaving United without a traditional striker on the bench, presenting a risk in case of further injuries.
Another approach could see United shift to a 4-3-3 formation. This strategy would require Amorim to trust Jack Fletcher, who impressed during his brief appearance against Newcastle. Amorim praised Fletcher’s performance, stating, “He did a very good job… he deserves this.” Given Wolverhampton’s current struggles in the league, this could be an opportunity for experimentation that may yield positive results.
Should Amorim opt for a more defensive setup, a back three could be implemented. This formation would allow for a stronger defensive presence but would likely necessitate the exclusion of key players like Luke Shaw or Lisandro Martinez, both of whom played well against Newcastle. Adopting this strategy would again require Zirkzee to start alongside Matheus Cunha in the attacking midfield role, leaving United’s bench short of attacking options.
As the team prepares for their next fixture, Amorim must balance the need for a competitive starting lineup against the importance of maintaining a strong bench. The challenge lies in aligning the best combination of players to maximize their chances of victory while navigating the uncertainties of player availability. The upcoming match against Wolverhampton on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, will test Amorim’s tactical acumen and adaptability in the face of adversity.
