MAGUIRE UP FRONT?
In a week where one Manchester club lost a key forward, another found an unlikely attacker. While Manchester City were dealt a blow with Erling Haaland’s injury, Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim turned to an unconventional solution, sending Harry Maguire into the attack during their 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.
Despite the bold move, which nearly paid off thanks to Murillo’s dramatic clearance off the line, the change appeared to be born more from desperation than inspiration.
This is the context for the upcoming Manchester derby, which will take place without a player who has bagged two hat-tricks this season—Haaland. Meanwhile, United will head into the match with a patchwork attack, relying heavily on Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo. The duo has been responsible for 44% of United’s goals and 76% of the assists since Amorim took charge. However, Amad has been sidelined for eight weeks, highlighting just how reliant the team is on these two individuals.
United have scored just 25 goals in 19 league games under Amorim, a worrying statistic considering that nine of those goals came in three matches against relegation-bound teams, and another four against a struggling Everton side. Despite this, Fernandes has netted six goals, and Amad has contributed five, showing that United’s attacking play often hinges on individual brilliance rather than a structured team approach.
The lack of goals from the rest of the forward line is particularly alarming. The third-highest scorer during Amorim’s tenure is the exiled Marcus Rashford, with just three goals. In comparison, summer signings Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have only managed two league goals each. Alejandro Garnacho has contributed just one. This goal shortage is a stark contrast to Haaland, whose expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes is 0.83, compared to Hojlund’s 0.21 and Zirkzee’s 0.20. The numbers suggest that United’s forwards are simply not getting into dangerous positions often enough.
Hojlund, despite his promise, has been afforded too few opportunities to utilize his pace and run in behind defenses. United’s system under Amorim, which does not feature traditional wingers, has left their attackers lacking the service they need. Garnacho, Amad, and Antony are all more inclined to cut inside rather than deliver crosses. As for Zirkzee, he has yet to establish a clear role or typical goal-scoring profile.
In truth, most of United’s goals have come from Fernandes or individual moments of inspiration. Amorim’s system—despite being based on a 3-4-3 formation—has been far from effective. His wing-backs have failed to score in the league, and the team’s setup lacks the attacking depth of previous United squads. With Fernandes sometimes pushed into central midfield and the attack left without a clear focal point, Amorim's tactics have led to more confusion than clarity.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, United’s recent struggles have also seen them concede goals to former players. Anthony Elanga’s wonder goal for Forest on Tuesday was a reminder of the talent they let go. Set pieces have been one of the few effective attacking weapons of late, with three goals coming from dead-ball situations against Ipswich. Given the ongoing issues with United’s attacking play, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Maguire’s makeshift role in attack continues in the derby, particularly against a City side also missing key players, including Haaland.