I guess we have to start with the mounting pressure on Ruben Amorim – are you confident he can turn things around?
As much as I would love things to click for Ruben Amorim, I can’t see things getting better before it’s too late.
His reluctance to change what hasn’t been working for almost a year will be his downfall, and while I don’t think a bad result this weekend would seal his fate, the end feels inevitable before the end of the season.
Many people have criticised his stubbornness with his refusal
to change formations. How is this viewed amongst the fan base?
It’s quite remarkable how quickly the majority of the fanbase has lost faith in Amorim after we entered the campaign with cautious optimism.
A lot of United supporters don’t like a three-at-the-back system anyway, myself included, because it goes against the classic United teams with flying wingers.
But his lack of flexibility, failing to adapt to the players at his disposal, is the biggest red flag.
Should he be replaced, is there anyone linked who you’d love to see take over?
This is the big question, and it was the same with Erik ten Hag. Who on earth could come and do a better job?
Like Amorim was, all the most exciting options are currently in a job. I would want a coach who already knows what he’s getting in the Premier League after it caught Ten Hag and Amorim by surprise so dramatically.
My personal pick would be Eddie Howe, which would go down just as well with you guys as it would at Old Trafford, I’m sure… If United couldn’t turn Howe’s head, it’d have to be Oliver Glasner. He has proven he can switch formations based on his squad’s strengths (his favourite system is 4-4-2, for example).
So far this season United have won just two of six matches, what would you say are the main things that have gone wrong?
It has to be a confidence issue. This team is so fragile and is clearly affected by the unmatched scrutiny that comes with representing Manchester United in this country.
If Sunderland score first on Saturday, which most teams do against United, you are very unlikely to lose the match. And if you score one goal against this United side, another tends to follow. You’ll never be out of it.
Andre Onana lost his place in goal with Altay Bayindir struggling to do much better as his replacement. Could we see summer signing Senne Lammens in goal this weekend?
Weird one, this. Senne Lammens’ late arrival after Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir’s poor starts suggested he was destined to be first-choice.
Amorim is keeping faith in Bayindir, for some reason, but everyone expects Lammens to eventually take over. I don’t know what United are waiting for, but expect Bayindir to play again this weekend.
United also signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko this summer – who has impressed you most so far?
The summer Premier League recruitment strategy seems to have worked. With Bruno Fernandes shackled in a deeper role, Bryan Mbeumo is United’s new danger man. He’s involved in everything going forward.
Matheus Cunha has also started very brightly but we’re still waiting for that first goal. Benjamin Sesko isn’t the threat United will hope he will become just yet but he will be confident after scoring his first goal against Brentford.
After a poor start, which United players would you say have most disappointed you so far?
Bruno Fernandes hasn’t been his usual self so far this season, missing two of his three penalties in the Premier League. He looks frustrated while playing out of his best position.
It’ll be a nice occasion for Amad this weekend, but his performance levels have dipped in the early stages of the campaign. I’m still not sure whether the right-wing-back experiment will work.
Luke Shaw has been a mainstay on the left of the back three, but he looks way past his best.
The goalkeeper situation goes without saying.
How do you think United will approach the match tactically this weekend?
Amorim doesn’t change his tactics, so it’ll be the same as every other match!
United will look to bait the press before going long into the channels and hoping Mbeumo can work his magic on the break. It could be a busy afternoon for your full-backs.
Are any players missing and who do you think will start?
Casemiro is back from his one-game ban and Amad has returned from compassionate leave after the passing of a family member, so United are only missing Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez. I think there will be three changes from the Brentford defeat, with Leny Yoro, Amad and Casemiro replacing Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot and Manuel Ugarte.
(3-4-3) Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko.
Sunderland’s last victory at Old Trafford came in 2014 – what is your prediction for the final score?
Sunderland should fancy their chances this weekend. The mood in both camps couldn’t be more contrasting, and I’ve been really impressed by your defence.
But United’s wins have come at home this season… I have to back the boys to get the job done, but I expect a close game that could tilt either way. Prediction: United 2-1 Sunderland.
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