Following on from Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich yesterday, in Ruben Amorim’s United managerial debut, we caught up with their former defender Paul Parker. He shared his thoughts on the questionable futures of Amorim’s playing squad which could undergo a significant revamp over the next year.
In this article:
- Højlund’s Role Under Scrutiny
- Mount and Antony’s Future Questioned by Parker
- Is Garnacho a better option from the bench?
- It’s time for Rashford to focus
Højlund’s role under scrutiny
The Manchester United squad finds itself at a crossroads once again, adjusting to yet another managerial change. Ruben Amorim brings fresh ideas, a new philosophy, and a different formation compared to his predecessors. However, his appointment also leaves him with a squad that includes players who may not fit his style – a case of square pegs in round holes, as the saying goes.
Amorim’s debut game in charge saw him opt for Marcus Rashford in the number nine role, sidelining Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee. This decision has sparked debate, with Paul Parker raising concerns about Højlund’s ability as a traditional centre forward.
“I saw a clip recently of Amorim standing behind Højlund in training. Maybe the manager has realised that his main centre forward isn’t very good at what he does and doesn’t get involved in play. He’s waiting for the ball rather than looking for the ball.
“He hasn’t got his mind made up with what he’s doing as the ball’s arriving. He hasn’t got pictures of what he’s going to do with the ball.”
Mount and Antony’s future questioned by Parker
It’s been a challenging start at United for Mason Mount, who arrived under Erik ten Hag for £55m but has struggled with injuries. Reports suggest both Mount and Antony could play significant roles in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, but Parker remains unconvinced. He does, however, see potential in Amad Diallo, who started at right wing-back against Ipswich and provided an assist for Rashford’s opening goal.
“The only way I can see Mason Mount working at United is if the manager has him running into the box because he’s just not a ball player,” Parker said. “I see people trying to put Antony into a wing back position, and I’m going to say no because you wouldn’t have him on the right as a wing back. I don’t see it. You’ve got Mazraoui who has been United’s most consistent player.
“Højlund is the only one I see that needs time invested in him. I also think Diallo could have a big impact with the new manager if he’s able to get a run. You need players that are capable of keeping hold of the ball. Diallo is no problem in that regard. Rashford and Garnacho are a big, big problem. It’s been going on for a while and people haven’t been brave enough in giving other players a run.”
Diallo, admired by fans for his dribbling, quick feet, and creativity, impressed during a loan spell at Sunderland, scoring 14 goals and helping their playoff push. Parker believes the Ivorian deserves more opportunities at United, particularly with the team’s ongoing struggles for creativity on the right wing.
“We’ve seen Amad on the right-hand side, and he’s capable of going on the outside as well as cutting inside, which none of the other United wingers want to do. They just want to cut inside. He’ll go either way.
“He can drop into areas and keep possession. He can play behind the striker too. You never have to ask him to run back. That’s the difference between him, Rashford, and Garnacho. You have to cross your fingers that they will be willing to run back.”
Is Garnacho a better option from the bench?
Alejandro Garnacho has cemented his place in the first team since his breakout season in 2022/23 under Ten Hag. While his talent is undeniable, his decision-making can frustrate, raising questions about his effectiveness as a starter in Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation. Parker believes Garnacho’s energy is better utilised off the bench.
“We’ve already seen that Garnacho is better off the bench. He gets caught up and tries to do the most difficult thing when he starts games. He should be a simple player like Steve Coppell. He hasn’t got tricks to beat players but should try to grind players down with perseverance and work ethic. He seems to want to do tricks.
“He also needs to work on his decision making, which is very, very poor when he gets on the ball. His passing can be poor, and he doesn’t know when to take players on. Those are the areas he needs to work on.”
Garancho found himself used in one of the two number ten roles that Amorim tends to favour alongside Bruno Fernandes. The Argentine struggled to make an impact on the game though and Parker is of the belief that that 20-year-old’s decision making means he’ll never be a success in the number ten role.
“Garnacho in the ten doesn’t work because his decision making is poor and he’s not explosive. He doesn’t get his head up enough.
“Football has become selfish and Garnacho needs a mentor but I don’t think he wants to listen. He’ll quickly become a big part player. Coming from the academy gives you a better start but then you’ve gotta prove the investment from the club was worth it.
“People say Garnacho is young but I played with Ryan Giggs at that age and he was far and ahead. All the young players I played with were far ahead of him. Good decision makers and they listened to those around them. He’s playing for himself and he’s got to stop trying to impersonate other players and be his own player.”
It’s time for Rashford to focus
In a surprising move from Amorim, Marcus Rashford started in the number nine role which is a position he said to not be fond of and Parker was also caught off guard by the decision to start Rashford there.
“Rashford and Garnacho haven’t been doing it. Garnacho is an impact player for Manchester United. I don’t know where Rashford fits in with this 3-4-3 system to get the best out of him. People want him in the team because he’s a local boy.
“I was shocked to see Rashford in the number nine role when he’s said he doesn’t like playing there. He scored a goal and he scored a goal. That was it. That was his contribution. He can’t link play or play with his back to goal.”
Despite scoring against Ipswich, Marcus Rashford managed only 13 touches before being substituted early in the second half. Last week, Rashford praised Amorim’s first training session, a comment Parker felt was unnecessary.
“I don’t understand why he had to say that. It’s unnecessary and a kick in the teeth for the previous managers. He needs to focus on putting a run of games together. People out there will defend him because he’s a local lad and what he’s done before, but he’s got to be doing it now.
“If you were a parent and you kept making excuses for your child’s bad behaviour, it would be called bad parenting. Talk is cheap. Pointless thing to say. Does he think the manager will like that? It matters in games.”
If you’re looking to find out about the best betting offers, then head over to our dedicated page, which has you covered with all you need to know when it comes to betting on England’s top-flight.
