Manchester United pulled off one of their most spectacular away results in their European football history, dismantling Athletic Club 3-0 in their Europa League semi-final first leg tie on Thursday.
The result was scarcely believable, with Spanish media thinking it would be a cakewalk for the Basque side given their defensive record and their attacking prowess.
The Spanish side were fourth in La Liga heading into Thursday’s tie, having conceded only 10 times at San Mames in all competitions while the Red Devils were languishing in 14th position with one of the worst goalscoring records in the division.
Yet what followed was almost unbelievable with the Red Devils netting thrice in the first-half through Casemiro and a brace from skipper Bruno Fernandes while Harry Maguire bamboozled his marker on the right wing!
What a first leg!
But the tie is not yet over and the 20-time English league champions cannot get complacent ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford, which is why Ruben Amorim is expected to ring in the changes for Sunday’s Premier League game against Brentford.
The head coach has already indicated that Noussair Mazraoui will not be playing while key stars like Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes could all be given a rest.
Certain clues as to the makeup of the team against the Bees could be taken from the substitutes bench on Thursday which saw quite a few Academy graduates.
Chido Obi and Sekou Kone, who were both ineligible, also made the trip to Bilbao as Amorim wanted to use them in training on Friday, which is expected to be held locally.
Given Joshua Zirkzee is out for the season and Rasmus Hojlund is the only striker available, there is a good chance the Dane could be left on the bench. Which is why Chido could be about to start his first game finally.
Kone has impressed for the U21s and there has been a growing clamour to hand him a start and the Malian could be given the nod in place of Casemiro and alongside Manuel Ugarte, who should be fit to start given he only played for 60 minutes.
Changes expected
With Diogo Dalot out, Jaydan Kamason looks in line for his first start of the season after impressing for the age-group teams with Harry Amass expected to be on the opposite flank.
Tyler Fredricson could also get the nod due to the lack of fit centre-back options. Amorim only has Jonny Evans, who does not fit the head coach’s vision. Leny Yoro, Maguire and Victor Lindelof could all be rested as well.
Bendito Mantato could also be a surprise pick, but it is likely he will have to be happy with a place on the bench given Amad is in need of minutes ahead of the second leg.
Jack Moorhouse, Godwill Kukonki and James Scanlon could all make the bench but a start looks unlikely given the Portuguese tactician has already reminded players of the importance of finishing the season strong.
Every position the club gain between now and the end of the season could be worth a lot and could ultimately help Amorim in his quest of earning a bigger war chest to work with in the summer.
Feature image James Fearn via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
