Manchester United made two signings in the January window, bringing in Patrick Dorgu from Italian club Lecce and defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal but squad was thinner by the end of the window than when it started as Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia departed on loan.
Dorgu, a multi-functional left-footed Denmark international, should provide balance at wing-back to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
But the decision to allow both Antony and Rashford to leave without signing a replacement looked risky at the time and is proving so now.
Their departures left Hojlund, Zirzkee, Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho as the side’s only recognised forwards. That list is down to three now, given Diallo’s season-ending injury.
Garnacho has no Premier League goals or assists since Amorim joined.
Rashford has made two eye-catching substitute appearances for Aston Villa since moving to Birmingham, and he played a hand in Ollie Watkins’ equaliser against Ipswich on Saturday.
As for Antony, the Brazilian has scored three times in four matches for Real Betis since moving to Spain. This matches the tally he managed during 38 appearances for United last season and means he has scored more so far in February than United have.
