Ruben Amorim hints that Man United academy star with ‘a lot of pace’ could face Southampton

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Manchester United’s remarkable FA Cup win over Arsenal has presented Ruben Amorim with a few selection headaches.

Despite going down to 10 men and conceding a penalty in North London, Manchester United won a dramatic penalty shootout against Arsenal to book their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Altay Bayindir was the hero for United after saving one penalty in normal time and one in the shootout, but ultimately every player stepped up to beat the Gunners.

Next up for United is a Premier League clash against bottom-of-the-table Southampton. Amorim’s home record has been poor so he will be desperate to pick up a much-needed three points.

Ruben Amorim will be forced to change his lineup against the Saints with Diogo Dalot suspended. He also faces several difficult decisions, including whether or not to give Toby Collyer extra minutes.

Ruben Amorim drops Toby Collyer selection hint

Collyer was “excellent” against Arsenal according to United legend Rio Ferdinand. The 21-year-old midfielder came off the bench to replace Mainoo for the final 10 minutes plus extra time.

After impressing in North London, Amorim was asked if Collyer could make another appearance against Southampton on Thursday evening.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Amorim said: “A lot of players I had to think this week. Toby [Collyer] is training really well, he has a lot of pace, he likes to learn so it’s one more option for tomorrow.”

Amorim pointed out his pace, and reports claim Collyer has “freakish” running stats, which will help him adapt to the physical demands that Amorim puts on his midfielders.

Collyer played a big role in the win over Arsenal by tracking back and interrupting several Arsenal counter attacks. It was an important moment for Collyer, who was picked by Amorim to come on ahead of the likes of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro.

Man United make decision on Toby Collyer’s future

Eriksen and Casemiro were awful against Newcastle and Amorim immediately regretted picking the pair together in midfield. Joshua Zirkzee paid the price when he was humiliated and brought off in the first half.

Since then, Amorim has overlooked Eriksen and Casemiro and when United had their backs up against a wall against Arsenal, it was Collyer he turned to.

Collyer must improve his passing to become a regular starter under Amorim, but he certainly fits the profile that United’s Portuguese boss likes in midfield.

Before featuring against Arsenal, Collyer was open to leaving United on loan amid interest from Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City.

However, United have now decided to keep Collyer at Old Trafford with plans to give him extra minutes in the second half of the season.