Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has named his starting line-up for today’s Premier League clash against Everton at Goodison Park, aiming for redemption as the Red Devils strive to break free from their alarming slump. Currently placed 15th on the league table after suffering eight defeats in their last twelve matches, Amorim is desperate for his players to step up and deliver stronger performances.
For the all-important fixture, the Portuguese tactician made only one change from last week’s narrow 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Cameroon international Andre Onana remains the team's goalkeeper. He continues to establish himself as the key last line of defense, having played every minute of league action since his transfer from Inter Milan. The defensive unit remains unchanged, featuring Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, and Noussair Mazraoui forming the back three.
On the flanks, Diogo Dalot keeps his position at right wing-back, paired with newcomer Patrick Dorgu, who has been pivotal since switching from Lecce. Yet, the headlines turn to the midfield where Amorim decided to pair Manuel Ugarte with Casemiro, allowing Bruno Fernandes to operate higher up the pitch.
The front line features Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, as Alejandro Garnacho was dropped from the starting eleven after his controversial performance against Spurs, where he missed what could have been pivotal opportunities.
The confirmed Manchester United lineup for today’s match is set as follows: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Mazraoui; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Zirkzee; Hojlund.
Yet even with new tactical adjustments, hopes for victory quickly faded as United trailed 2-0 at the half-time. Everton showed no signs of relenting their pressure, forcing United to scramble defensively and seeking to hit back through weak counterattacks.
Despite the team's struggles, praise was directed at Dorgu for his resilience and efforts. According to Manchester Evening News journalist Steven Railston, "Patrick Dorgu is the only player to emerge with credit from this first half. He’s also the only player on the pitch who was signed for Ruben Amorim’s system. What are the chances?” Dorgu's astounding first half included winning every tackle, completing four ground duels, and four ball recoveries, alongside making 25 accurate passes, four clearances, and two crosses.
United's situation paints anything but optimism as they prepare to face another agonizing defeat, maintaining the 15th position on the league table. If results don't change, they could slink down to 16th with other fixtures still to play out over the weekend.
Fans and followers remain on alert as questions about Amorim's approach grow. His management responsibilities are becoming more complicated with each passing match, and squad morale surely hangs by the thinnest of threads. How can United recover from so many lackluster performances? Who will step forward as the cornerstone of their resurgence?
The team's confidence was visibly shaken after their inability to secure goals during the first half, with fans expressing their frustration. The task now lies firmly on the shoulders of Amorim to turn this embattled ship around quickly.
Headed toward the conclusion of the match, United faced overwhelming challenges due to their own preventable mistakes. The pressure mounted, and it seemed the players were left scrambling to find their footing against several attacking threats from the Everton side.
With pressure mounting, it will be interesting to see how United responds to this spell of underachievement moving forward. Could Dorgu's stand-out effort serve as the turning point they desperately need? Perhaps this match might just light the spark they are searching for.
Time is of the essence, and should results not improve, the future looks bleak for both Amorim's tenure and the aspirations of Manchester United this season.