Ruben Amorim has clearly stated he will rest a number of players in preparation for Manchester United’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club a week on Thursday.
Whilst the rotation will mostly relate to the Premier League matches prior to each leg of that semi, nonetheless, he also wants to avoid injuries, so he will also rest players after gruelling encounters such as Thursday’s incredible 5-4 extra time win over Lyon.
We are therefore predicting a massive nine changes from that triumphant starting XI for today’s home match against Wolves.
Starting at the back, we expect Altay Bayindir to play in goal. Andre Onana’s form has been wayward and although he was much improved against the French side, he did still ship four goals. On the other hand, Bayindir was not 100% convincing against Newcastle last weekend, when he did the same.
It would make sense for Amorim to have another look at how the Turk performs as he firms up his decision on who will be the best choice for the Euro semi final.
There have been hints that Ayden Heaven could be back in training and if that is true, he could get a start in the back three with Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw. If not, Godwill Kukonki could be in line for his debut.
Shaw looked very rusty when he came on against Lyon and clearly needs game time to get match fit. Leny Yoro could be rested and Thursday’s matchwinner, Harry Maguire almost certainly will be as his own return from injury continues to be carefully managed. Matthijs de Ligt and Licha Martinez are still injured, but Jonny Evans is back and could make the bench.
Noussair Mazraoui had to go off at half time on Thursday due to personal issues, so he should be fit enough to start. However, that could be at right wing back, where there are no other obvious replacements for Diogo Dalot, who will surely get a rest.
Harry Amass could well start again at left wing back with Patrick Dorgu rested.
Manu Ugarte may be the only other survivor from Thursday’s starting lineup, as he too was subbed off, so should have some miles left in the tank. He could partner Kobbie Mainoo in midfield as the England man starts for the first time since his long-term injury. Casemiro will probably be rested, while Toby Collyer is still injured.
Mason Mount, too, could finally be in for his first start since the Manchester derby in mid-December. He could take the place of Bruno Fernandes, who Amorim said was “tired”.
The boss has also said Chido Obi will get more chances, so in the absence of the injured Josh Zirkzee, he is the obvious candidate to replace Rasmus Hojlund if United’s number 9 needs rotating.
We also expect Alejandro Garnacho to be rested, so Christian Eriksen could start as the left 10.
Other youngsters might also be in with a chance of seeing some action, including Sekou Koné, Jaydan Kamason, James Scanlon, Reece Munro, Jack Moorhouse, Gabriele Biancheri and Victor Musa.
This though is our predicted XI for today’s 2pm kick-off:
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
