Newcastle United had a relief after beating Nottingham Forest, but what a terrible week it has been. Something double whammy just when things start to seem a lot sunnier!
Following Manchester United’s attempt to steal their director of sport, Dan Ashworth, there was the announcement that Callum Wilson would be sidelined for a further nine to twelve weeks due to an injury. Wilson is the blow that his former club will feel right away./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72828982/1738900019.0.jpg)
Here in Bournemouth this afternoon. United will have to play another crucial game without a recognised centre forward unless they take a gamble with Alexander Isak, which doesn’t make much sense. That’s precisely what they did down on the south coast, where they were soundly defeated 2-08.
It’s becoming quite absurd. I fear that Callum’s value as a liability is increasing, and this cannot continue for United. This summer is when they had to make the terrible situation right. I don’t understand why they haven’t done so previously. Isak’s bothersome groyne will flare up again if he is pushed too hard or too soon, and he will be desperately required during the coming weeks.
Anthony Gordon will therefore most likely play the false nine role. It’s not ideal because he is not a natural finisher at centre forward and we lose his attacking flair when he plays on the wing. Strangely, Bournemouth will have a No 9 while Newcastle worries about where the goals will come from. They signed Eddie Howe, who we would all want to have at SJP. The two goals that Dominic Solanke scored to defeat Howe down there will be a threat to a defence that has been worryingly leaking goals.
Bruno Guimaraes’ release to get forward is necessary for United to continue giving themselves the best chance of scoring goals as they pursue them. His two spectacular goals against Forest served as a reminder of what he is capable of. Bruno was greatly missed and prohibited from that area. I’m so glad he won’t be suspended for this one. Had he received a yellow card in Nottingham, he might have been!
Is Harvey Barnes able to assist with finishing? Driving in from a wide angle and sweeping the ball into the far corner, he may appear formidable. Without a doubt, I believe Miggy Almiron should be removed from the firing line. In terms of his final ball, touch, and goal threat, he was subpar versus Forest.
