Ruben Amorim has a couple of squad decisions to make ahead of Wolves’ visit to Old Trafford, and beefing up his attacking ranks is one.
Benjamin Sesko is the undisputed starter, and because he was subbed vs Newcastle, it seemingly confirms that he’ll start vs Wolves.
However, the picture is less clear beyond the Slovenian, as Joshua Zirkzee’s howler display vs Newcastle should see him face consequences.
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The straightforward option is to have Chido Obi on the bench, but Ruben Amorim seems intent on teaching him some humility, so the best option is the player who has been keeping him out of the U21s.
Ruben Amorim should name Gabriel Biancheri in the squad
Zirkzee’s performance vs Newcastle seemed like the breaking point for many Man Utd fans, and considering his name in the transfer rumours, the narrative isn’t particularly positive.
Obi, on the other hand, is doing well in the U21s and garnered rave reviews before Amorim gave him a reality check recently.
Not only did he say that Obi played too soon last season and he wasn’t ready, but Amorim also called out Harry Amass and him for their passive-aggressive response to his academy comments on social media.
It leaves the path open for Gabriele Biancheri, who has been sharing striker duties with Obi for the U21s and doing a very good job of it.
When Amorim said Obi doesn’t even start regularly for the U21s, it’s because Biancheri has been in lethal form despite not having half the spotlight Obi does.
With Wolves on the horizon, Amorim must name Biancheri on the bench, for it serves multiple purposes.
Zirkzee is sent a message that a lack of effort won’t be tolerated. Obi is told that reputation and media coverage don’t mean anything for first-team chances.
Most importantly, Biancheri will be given just reward for plugging away tirelessly away from the spotlight, much like Tyler Fredricson last season.
Biancheri has long deserved a first-team berth
Perhaps it’s because he’s not physically imposing, or his signing didn’t come with as much coverage as Obi’s, but Biancheri has left no stone unturned in making his case.
The current season is not an anomaly for the striker because he has consistently been the most lethal forward in United’s academy, regardless of the level.
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Interestingly, his game should translate better to the senior level than Obi’s, who dominated the U18s based on a huge physical advantage.
That’s something Biancheri has never had, so his game is more cerebral and rounded, which are intangibles that translate regardless of the level of football.
Amorim missed a trick not including him in the squad vs Villa, but the same mistake shouldn’t be repeated against Wolves.
If anything, a smart appearance off the bench, ideally with a goal, is a very real possibility against a side that is on track to have the worst Premier League campaign of all time.
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