A familiar sense of Deja vu crept in during the aftermath of Manchester United’s dismal derby defeat. Hadn’t we seen this one before?
Sitting in the Sky Sports studio at the Etihad, greats of United’s past – Roy Keane and Gary Neville – carried out the bi-weekly post-mortem, analysing and debating the future of yet another post-Sir Alex Ferguson manager.
The treble-winning duo had just been forced to witness what has become a trademark display of the last few years for the Red Devils. A performance with moments of encouragement, albeit with glaring problems at both ends of the pitch.
A team that can’t score and simply can’t defend, as their -3 goal difference can attest to, won’t get very far amid what has become an increasingly competitive Premier League.
These are not new issues for the Old Trafford side, although new lows and new depths have been reached in the Ruben Amorim regime. 31 points from 31 top-flight games in charge, with a worse win ratio than any permanent United manager post-World War II.
The Portuguese coach has been steadfast in his unwillingness to alter the much-maligned 3-4-2-1 system, but something simply has to change. How about tweaking the starting lineup, Ruben?
1 GK – Senne Lammens
It would be unfair to shift too much of the blame for Sunday’s defeat onto starting goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, although the Turkish international hardly inspired much confidence yet again.
Indeed, a heavy touch in the early knockings almost gifted an opening to Erling Haaland inside the area, while the 27-year-old was far too easily beaten by the Norwegian’s dinked effort to make it 2-0.
While Gianluigi Donnarumma grew in the face of Benjamin Sesko bearing down on goal in the first half, Bayindir simply shrunk. Now is the time to give new man Senne Lammens a go instead.
2 RCB – Leny Yoro
The weekend clash may not have been Leny Yoro at his best, having been withdrawn on the hour mark, although the Frenchman has been a real bright spark in 2025, after making his competitive debut for the club in December.
With pace, power and poise, the teenager has all the makings of a world-class centre-back, with reports even suggesting that Amorim views him as the club’s ‘next Rio Ferdinand’ due to his innate composure in the backline.
While his best work did come as a left-sided centre-back last term, it would be wise to continue with the ex-Lille starlet on the opposite flank.
3 CB – Matthijs de Ligt
A starter in every league game so far this season, Matthijs de Ligt has begun to grow into his role as a starting option at United, even if he was hardly error-free up against the relentless Haaland last time out.
Seemingly made for that central role in the back three, the Dutchman has the edge over Harry Maguire right now, with the sight of the Englishman failing to catch Manchester City’s lethal number nine having become far too familiar of late.
Maguire remains a valuable squad member in Amorim’s ranks, although Sunday again outlined his weaknesses. This is De Ligt’s time now.
4 LCB – Ayden Heaven
While Lisandro Martinez may look to slot back in amid his return from injury later this year, the derby defeat showcased yet again the need for increased mobility in the backline.
The diminutive Martinez can’t exactly offer that, although young Ayden Heaven certainly can. At just 18, the ex-Arsenal sensation is not yet the finished product, although as Wayne Rooney stated last season, he looks like he’s “been there for years”.
The speed and strength of Heaven could then see Luke Shaw finally ousted at left centre-back, with the long-serving defender looking worryingly off the pace at the Etihad. Skipped past by Jeremy Doku, and overpowered by Haaland, the 30-year-old has surely outstayed his welcome in Manchester.
5 RWB – Noussair Mazraoui
One potential positive from the weekend defeat was the return of Noussair Mazraoui, with the Moroccan international putting in a typically accomplished performance at right wing-back, prior to his second-half withdrawal.
A player viewed by those at the club as one of their best signings in years, the former Bayern Munich man has the versatility to slot in as a centre-back, although he could make the right flank his own instead.
Elegant in possession and an industrious figure out of it, Mazraoui is the type of player that this team needs – they are a better side with him in it.
6 CM – Bruno Fernandes
The debate surrounding Bruno Fernandes will continue to rage on. Should United have sanctioned his Saudi switch? Does Amorim need to reinstate him in the number ten berth? Can he ever thrive as part of a midfield two?
While the skipper’s inability to track Phil Foden for the game’s opener showcased his shortcomings in that deep-lying berth, the lack of adequate alternatives ensures that this experiment must be continued.
A man who recorded 38 goals and assists last term while largely operating in this role, Fernandes has the quality to make it work. He just needs a suitable partner.
7 CM – Kobbie Mainoo
Pep Guardiola gripped the top of his head in frustration as Kobbie Mainoo breezed his way through the City midfield, a second-half moment that outlined just why Amorim has to find a permanent role for the 20-year-old in his side.
At 33 and into the final year of his contract, Casemiro’s time at Old Trafford is nearly up. As for Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguayan warrior is up for the fight, although lacks the technical prowess to match – notably ranking in just the bottom 17% of European midfielders for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.
Mainoo isn’t perfect – Amorim has stressed that more than most – although in a side that stinks of chaos, he can be the player to bring that much-needed sense of calm.
8 LWB – Amad
The player to have made the most touches in the penalty area on Sunday? It was not Haaland no, it was Patrick Dorgu with 12.
The young Dane was the major outlet for the visitors, although despite his regular involvement, the 20-year-old’s lack of end quality was stark. As per Sofascore, he lost the ball on 17 occasions and successfully completed just one of his five attempted dribbles.
In truth, the lack of an alternative has ensured the January arrival remains in by default, although Amorim could be bold and unleash Amad in his place. A natural left-footer, the Ivorian has been trialled on the opposite flank, but why not give him a chance on the left instead?
9 RAM – Bryan Mbeumo
Perhaps the only bright spark in the early weeks of the season, and in the derby, Bryan Mbeumo has been a rare astute signing if recent evidence is anything to go by, having netted against both Grimsby and Burnley last month.
Had it not been for the remarkable reach of Donnarumma, that tally would have been bolstered on Sunday, with the Cameroonian also unable to sort his feet out from close range after Amad’s pull back.
A mixture of silk, speed and devastating finishing, the 26-year-old is everything United have been crying out for. Let’s hope he doesn’t get dragged down by Amorim’s sinking ship.
10 LAM – Matheus Cunha
This selection, in the short-term, would be fitness permitting, although if available, new man Matheus Cunha is already a shoo-in for the starting XI, even if goal contributions have been lacking to date.
On another day, the Brazilian could have had a brace away at Fulham, with it hopefully not too long before he is fit and firing again.
That left-sided number ten berth looks to be made for the former Wolves talisman, with Mason Mount’s inability to stay off the treatment table ensuring that, for all Amorim’s praise, the unfortunate Englishman just can’t be relied upon.
