Why Amad is on the bench for Manchester United vs Arsenal

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed Amad is starting this afternoon's FA Cup clash with Arsenal on the bench because of a "small issue" he picked up in midweek.

The Ivorian has been replaced in the starting XI by Alejandro Garnacho, who has been awarded his first start since the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest on December 7.

The alteration to the starting team is one of only two changes Amorim has made to the side that started last Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield, with the other seeing Altay Bayindir replace Andre Onana in goal.

Amad, who signed a new contract in midweek to keep him at Old Trafford until 2030, last started on the bench when United lost 2-0 to Arsenal in the Premier League at the Emirates last month.

"Amad had a small issue during the week and I like the way Garnacho plays - he is playing well," Amorim told BBC Sport. "The way he is training we felt it was a good opportunity to see Garnacho start the game."

United were undone by two set pieces on their last visit to Arsenal, meaning plenty of focus will be on how they deal with the home side's set pieces.

Amorim added: "We are focused on being competitive on the small things and on the set-pieces that's a tough thing to beat this team in that department.

"We have to show more aggression in the final third. We have a great history in this competition and we want to win."