Ruben Amorim one game away from difficult scenario as Man Utd action plan clear

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Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu is teetering on the brink of a suspension which would pose a problem for Ruben Amorim. The wing-back, who has clocked up 624 minutes in 10 Premier League appearances this season, is just one yellow card away from a one-match ban.

Dorgu has already been booked in matches against Tottenham , Brentford, Arsenal and during his brief appearance against Brighton . If he picks up another caution, he'll be forced to sit out United's next match, having reached the maximum number of bookings before gameweek 19.

However, Dorgu's potential absence might not be too major a setback for United. Amorim has an action plan in place as he has favoured Amad at times at right wing-back, resulting in Diogo Dalot being shifted to the opposite flank. When the Denmark international is selected, Noussair Mazraoui or Dalot can fill the other side.

United are set to return to Premier League action on Monday evening when they host Everton at Old Trafford. Amorim faces several selection headaches ahead of the clash, with Benjamin Sesko sidelined for several weeks due to a knee injury sustained in the draw against Spurs.

A public spat between Slovenia and United over the severity of his injury ensued before the international break, but the situation was later clarified.

"Completely expected from the English media," national team boss Matjaz Kek said in reference to his comments being exaggerated. "But I emphasise - once again - the moment communication was established between us and the Manchester United medical team, the problem was solved in five minutes."

Harry Maguire and Casemiro also suffered problems against Tottenham, although the Brazilian went on to play and find the net for his country last week.

The midfielder is also in danger of a suspension with three bookings already against his name and, given his combative approach, it appears certain he will reach that threshold and be ruled out of a fixture during the hectic period ahead.

United face Crystal Palace , West Ham United, Wolves , Bournemouth and Aston Villa before the Christmas break, with clashes against Newcastle United and Wolves sandwiched between then and the New Year .

Bryan Mbeumo is one United star certain to be unavailable for some matches during that spell as he'll be on duty for Cameroon at AFCON.

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Amad will likewise be away representing the Ivory Coast at the tournament. Players such as Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and even Joshua Zirkzee may consequently prove crucial with numerous forwards set to be missing.

Limited game time for the Dutch attacker has sparked speculation over a January move with a Serie A return mooted as a possibility, though this has been dismissed. United could be busy in the January transfer window , with Amorim previously expressing interest in bolstering his midfield and having made enquiries for Brighton's Carlos Baleba.

After being quoted a hefty price tag, United did not pursue Baleba further before the end of the summer window, while Nottingham Forest sensation Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton have emerged as alternative targets.