As the Africa Cup of Nations progresses into its knockout stage, Ruben Amorim might find himself wishing for a swift exit for Cameroon and Ivory Coast.
The current injuries to captain Bruno Fernandes and England’s Mason Mount have amplified the impact of Bryan Mbuemo and Amad Diallo’s involvement in this prestigious tournament in Morocco on Amorim’s squad.
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It’s not that Mbuemo and Diallo are the definitive solutions to all of United’s issues. After all, they were part of the team that suffered a home defeat to 10-man Everton in November and managed just a draw against struggling West Ham shortly afterwards.
However, without their contributions, Amorim faces a lack of attacking options.
He seems to lack faith in teenager Shea Lacey or the more seasoned Joshua Zirkzee, despite the Netherlands forward providing an assist for Cunha’s equalizer just after coming on as a substitute.
This leaves Cunha, who has scored three goals in his last five matches, along with Patrick Dorgu—who started as the right-sided number 10 despite being a left-back—and Benjamin Sesko.
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Based on recent performances, the £74m striker appears no more effective than Rasmus Hojlund, who struggled during two seasons before being loaned to Napoli to facilitate Sesko’s arrival.
Sesko seems to be low on confidence and doubts his ability to find the net. His inability to convert Zirkzee’s cross has resulted in a frustrating nine-game goal drought.