This Man United star must be axed vs Sunderland, Ruben Amorim already said he ‘needs to improve’
Ruben Amorim has some serious thinking to do before Man United welcome high-flyers Sunderland to Old Trafford.
Man United lost 3-1 to Brentford on Saturday, 27 September, with the Bees taking a very early lead through an Igor Thiago brace inside 20 minutes before Benjamin Sesko hit back six minutes later.
With the Red Devils pushing for an equaliser at the Gtech Community Stadium, Mathias Jensen escaped to seal the win, firing past Altay Bayindir for his first goal since scoring against United in October 2023.
Jordan Henderson rolled back the years for the opener, assisting Thiago’s first goal, and it was here where one of United’s most experienced players was turned inside out.
Harry Maguire must be dropped against Sunderland
Watching the opening goal on BBC Sport (27 September), Micah Richards described the defending as “shambolic”, and it was Harry Maguire who was caught out by the long ball against the Bees.
In an attempt to play the offside trap, he allowed Brentford’s striker to escape in behind, and at 32 years of age, he was never catching up before Thiago slotted the ball past Bayindir.
Speaking back in January [Sky Sports], Amorim was positive about the idea of Maguire’s contract being extended, but admitted that the centre-back “needs to improve” on the pitch and as a leader.
| Harry Maguire vs Brentford | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 66 |
| Pass completion | 81% (25/31) |
| Dispossessed | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 0% (0/1) |
| Aerial duels won | 67% (4/6) |
He was neither against the Bees this weekend, and therefore, he deserves to be sent straight back to the bench, with either Leny Yoro or Ayden Heaven called upon against Sunderland on Saturday, 4 October.
Wilson Isidor will be licking his lips against Man United
Already with three goals in five games, Wilson Isidor is one of the Black Cats’ biggest threats so far this season, and he will not believe his luck if Maguire is back in defence next weekend.
Amorim is stubborn enough to continue trying his style of play, which means his centre-backs play on the halfway line, and that will be exactly what Regis Le Bris targets if that is the case for this game.
Football Insider understands that Aston Villa are interested in Isidor’s signature, and if he can prove himself against the Red Devils, his price tag might increase even further ahead of January.
United have the players in the squad to deal with pace. However, leadership is often seen as a problem, and that is what Maguire normally brings to the lineup due to his experience.