United View: Reds go into the international break on a high

It’s been a positive week for Manchester United, something we haven’t had the privilege of saying very often this season. 

The Reds made light work of Real Sociedad in the Europa League before their comfortable win over Leicester City, leaving United in a good space before the International Break.

Thursday’s clash with La Real was United’s most important game of the season, with the Europa League being their only viable route to success and qualification to the Champions League. 

An early penalty goal for the visitors suggested things may be difficult, but Ruben Amorim’s side responded well, scoring four to cruise into the Quarter Final against Lyon.

Bruno Fernandes bagged a hat-trick, but there were several standout performances, including Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu, who were instrumental in United’s attack, which looked more threatening than in recent weeks.

This continued into Sunday’s match when Rasmus Hojlund backed up his spirited performance against Real Sociedad to score his first goal in 21 games, as the Leicester defence offered the Dane too much space before he fired home the opener.

Alejandro Garnacho doubled the lead in the second half before Fernandes wrapped up the three points with an expert finish at the edge of the box. 

It was a refreshing win, as United have often struggled against teams in the bottom half, but on Sunday, the Reds made no mistake and offered little to a Leicester side on the cusp of relegation.

Going two goals up allowed Amorim to experiment with his substitutions, bringing on Harry Amass at left-back. 

The academy prospect made his highly anticipated debut on his 18th birthday, with many seeing him as a potential first-team candidate in the future.

Despite the positives, there was still a major concern, as Ayden Heaven, who was experiencing a major breakthrough into the first team, went off on a stretcher. 

A real shame as he had been so impressive on the left of the back three in the short time, he’d been available. 

Hopefully, it isn’t as serious as first thought, with Ayden walking out of the King Power Stadium, albeit in a protective boot.

Normally, with the team experiencing a good run of form, you’d say the interruption of the International Break comes at the worst possible time, but with injuries piling up, these two weeks could give some players a chance to return to full fitness.

Mason Mount, featured on the bench on Sunday, having not appeared since going off at the Etihad back in December, and Amorim suggested that Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro could return to the lineup against Nottingham Forest, along with Luke Shaw, who will be back ‘soon’ according to the manager.

Heaven’s absence means the teenager will join Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martinez on the sidelines for a lengthy absence, both of whom were in a good run of form before being struck with an impact injury. 

Amorim’s side has experienced little luck when it comes to players being affected by freak accidents on the pitch.

The Reds will need every man available for the remainder of the season. 

April looks to be a huge test for them, with trips to Forest, Newcastle, and Bournemouth, the Manchester Derby, and the two-legged Quarter Final against Lyon.

Whilst on paper it’s a tough run of fixtures, United have shown progress in the last few weeks, with Amorim stating that his players are starting to understand his principles more, and he is figuring out how to get the best out of his players. 

His side has also fared better against strong opposition, something they’ll need to replicate as we approach the business end of the campaign.