Now that the transfer window has closed, attention can finally go to the Manchester United action on the field, which is what counts most.

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After the club’s victory in the FA Cup final in May, which may have saved the manager’s job, optimism quickly faded amidst another unsatisfactory start to the season.

The former Ajax manager, whose tenure was sparked by the aforementioned 2-1 victory against the Merseysiders in 2022, will be hoping to uplift the spirits with a victory against rivals Liverpool, just as he did in his first season in charge.

However, another injury blow has dashed hopes of seeing off fellow countryman Arne Slot and his charges. Mason Mount, a 2023 arrival, is expected to miss several weeks of action after being pulled out of the game at halftime at the Amex last time out.

Mason Mount, a midfielder for Manchester United

Although the Englishman, who Statman Dave referred to as a “pressing monster,” had appeared to be an integral part of United’s pressing game in the first few weeks of the season, his absence may not have been too great of a blow for some. As a result, solutions will now need to be found to fill that attacking void.

In light of this, let’s examine how Ten Hag might take the position of the team’s seventh player for Slot’s men’s visit.

1 The Clearly Better Choice

Zirkzee Joshua

Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United scores against Fulham

Joshua Zirkzee, a summer acquisition from Bologna who scored twice on his debut against Fulham, may be the one to take advantage of Mount’s bad luck. The Dutchman replaced the former Chelsea playmaker against the Cottagers and Brighton and Hove Albion. Zirkzee signed a £36.5 million contract.

Ten Hag has so far preferred a starting lineup without a striker, with Bruno Fernandes and Mount assuming attacking roles. Zirkzee, who considers himself to be more of a ‘9.5’ than a pure center-forward, might fit in well with that forward line.

Due to his 6 foot 4 frame, the former Bayern Munich player would also provide a proper focal point and presence in the forward ranks. With Scott McTominay currently signed with Napoli, such stature is likely to be needed in the absence of the injured Rasmus Hojlund.

Considering Zirkzee’s contribution as a substitute, even though he did not play in preseason, and his impact on the opening weekend, it might be preferable to continue progressively increasing his playing time rather than throwing him into games right away.

2. The Senior Resolution

Marcus Rashford

Rashford

Against United’s fiercest opponents, if there was ever a chance to silence the skeptics, it would be now. Marcus Rashford needs to find his feet soon after yet another lackluster preseason.

The 26-year-old has mostly been used off the left so far, but his influence has decreased recently. Most notably, he was replaced by the dynamic Alejandro Garnacho around the hour mark of the last game.

With goalscorer Amad Diallo having an effect on the right and Garnacho fighting for a start after three substitute appearances so far, Ten Hag will face pressure to bench Rashford completely as the academy graduate is no longer a lock to start at Old Trafford.

Even so, the England international’s stellar record versus the Anfield team—seven goals in eighteen meetings—may work to his advantage. Starting him through the middle this time could be one way to accomplish this, even though he would prefer to play off the left.

Ten Hag could include Garnacho, Amad, and Rashford in his lineup if he made that choice, though it’s possible that’s not the only way they can all play.

The Tactical Adjustment

Amad Diallo

Amad

With a fantastic pre-season in which he scored goals against teams like Rangers and Real Betis, Amad’s stock is currently at its greatest position since his original move to Manchester back in January 2021. He finished 2023–24 in fine fashion, most notably scoring in the 3-2 victory over Newcastle United.

After missing an early opportunity to give the visitors the lead, the former Atalanta starlet scored the equalizer in the eventual 2-1 loss to the Seagulls, marking a good start to the new campaign.

The journalist James Copley called the Ivorian “wizard” as still a work in progress, but that failed attempt demonstrated that he was deserving of another inclusion from the beginning later today.

While it may be preferred that Garnacho replace Rashford on the left and Amad stay on the right, there is a chance that Amad will move more centrally to partner Fernandes, leaving Garnacho to play out wide.

Amad has actually played through the middle in his career, most notably as a center-forward or second striker on occasion during his stint at Sunderland, where he finished with 14 goals and four assists in all competitions. However, this role change may appear odd.

United States, Adams Man, Clarke, Premier League transfer

Only two of his 24 United games have come as a center-forward, and none of them have come in an attacking midfield or second-striker role, according to Transfermarkt. However, that move to what would essentially be a new role could be the perfect answer.

It’s important to keep in mind that the 22-year-old scored the team’s first goal in 2021 by deftly heading home after advancing into a central area against AC Milan, proving that he can be useful in that role despite his small stature.

Brighton vs. Amad: A match in numbers

89 minutes

One objective

53 contacts

78% accuracy rate on passes

One pass for the key

One ‘great chance’ was lost.

half of the crosses are finished.

1/1 long balls have been finished.

1/3 of dribbles are successful.

We won 3/9 ground duels.

15 times the amount of lost possession

Statistics sourced from Sofascore

Amad could be a wildcard candidate to lead the line ahead of players like Rashford and Zirkzee since he has the pace and work ethic necessary to meet Mount’s high press. Coach Darren Fletcher has lauded Amad for his “attitude” and “intensity.”