Ruben Amorim axes forward duo in new-look Man Utd team

For the first time since his Manchester United debut, Ruben Amorim named a starting XI without either Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee.

At least one of the two natural centre-forwards has started each of United's subsequent 17 fixtures - and both lined up for the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in December.

However, Amorim reshuffled his pack for the visit of Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, leaving Hojlund and Zirkzee on the bench while Alejandro Garnacho came back into the starting XI to dovetail with in-form forward Amad Diallo.

Amorim was asked about his selection of forwards ahead of kick-off, telling Premier League Productions: "Try to play in different positions, to create some danger. We also want to improve the way we take the game in the last third - we need to have more possession."

Kobbie Mainoo was also included after impressing in a more advanced role during United's Europa League victory over FCSB in midweek. The previously defensively minded midfielder was part of a fluid front-three (which included Hojlund), scoring and assisting in the 2-0 win.

"I like him with the ball," Amorim said of Mainoo ahead of Sunday's match. "Sometimes you have more space in the build-up phase. I think he's a good player because he can hold the ball. He is very good one against one and he is creative. We need creativity in the last third."

Hojlund (two) and Zirkzee (three) have scored just five Premier League goals between them this season - fewer than Amad has managed on his own despite often lining up as a right wing-back under Amorim. The pair cost more than £100m combined yet are both thought to be available for sale.

If Amorim continues to leave the toothless forwards on the bench, their value will only continue to decrease.

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