Manchester United secured a gritty 1-0 victory against Newcastle United on Boxing Day at Old Trafford, despite facing a mounting injury crisis. The win was marked by a stunning volley from Patrick Dorgu, which proved decisive in the first half. United’s defense was put to the test in the second half as Newcastle sought an equaliser, forcing the team to reassess their tactical approach.
Midfielder Mason Mount left the pitch at halftime after experiencing discomfort, raising questions about his availability for the upcoming match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 2, 2024. Manager Ruben Amorim must now consider his options for the midfield in Mount’s absence. Following Mount’s departure, Jack Fletcher came on to replace him, showcasing his potential during the match. Despite a few close calls, including a shot that struck the crossbar from Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, the Reds managed to hold onto their lead.
The victory propelled United to fifth place in the Premier League standings, but the lingering concern remains how Amorim will adapt his lineup if Mount is unable to play. With the match against Wolverhampton looming, the manager has several tactical formations to consider.
Potential Lineups Without Mount
In their recent game, United employed a flat back four formation, which proved effective. Should Amorim decide to stick with this setup, he might opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation again. A straightforward swap would involve introducing Joshua Zirkzee into the starting lineup. Zirkzee has previously excelled in the No.10 role and can also play as a centre-forward. However, this approach would leave the bench without a first-team striker.
Another tactical option could be shifting to a 4-3-3 formation, particularly if Amorim feels confident in Fletcher’s abilities to start. Following the match, Amorim praised Fletcher’s performance, stating, “Jack did a very good job… he deserves this.” Given that Wolverhampton is struggling this season, the manager might see this as an opportunity to experiment with his lineup.
If Amorim chooses to implement a back three, he could still field a strong team, although this might mean sacrificing players like Luke Shaw or Lisandro Martinez, who performed well against Newcastle. Similar to the 4-2-3-1 setup, this formation would again require starting Zirkzee alongside Matheus Cunha in attacking roles, which would leave the bench short of a first-choice striker.
Ultimately, Amorim faces a challenging decision: whether to prioritize a robust starting lineup or maintain a strong bench capable of influencing the game. Balancing these elements is crucial for United as they aim to continue their upward trajectory in the league.
As the January fixtures approach, the pressure mounts on Amorim to make strategic decisions that could significantly impact the team’s performance. The upcoming match against Wolverhampton presents an important opportunity for United to build on their recent success, even amidst the challenges posed by injury.
