Although there is nothing to play for in the Premier League other than the extra prize money that would be earned by climbing to a higher position, today’s team selection by Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim will be an extremely important one.
Amorim needs to rest the right players at the right time whilst trying to maintain momentum for the Europa League final in 10 days’ time.
Furthermore, the semi-final second leg will also have thrown up a dilemma for the Portuguese: who is his best XI?
The introduction of Mason Mount and Amad absolutely transformed United on Thursday and Amorim must be wondering whether the pair should start against Spurs in Bilbao.
Amorim mentioned in the semi-final post-match presser that Alejandro Garnacho is tired, so he will need to be rested.
So for those reasons, we believe both Mount and Amad will be in today’s starting line-up, probably supporting Rasmus Hojlund at centre forward.
The Dane will be buzzing after scoring on Thursday, so Amorim will want to give him a chance to get on the end of another cross or two. He’s likely to play an hour before Chido Obi takes over. Josh Zirkzee, meanwhile, is out for the season.
With those three in attack, Bruno Fernandes will likely move into midfield. He could play alongside Manu Ugarte, with Casemiro kept in cotton wool.
Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen might also feature, but Toby Collyer is still out injured.
Diogo Dalot is not yet fit and Nouss Mazraoui is being carefully managed by the boss, so the wing backs today could be Patrick Dorgu and Harry Amass.
Amorim has already said Matthijs de Ligt is nearing fitness but will not play today. He’s also said (via premierinjuries.com) Harry Maguire has a niggle, and that “we have to manage that, but they have to play, and it is better to play than to stay out.” However, with today’s game coming so soon after Thursday, it seems more likely that Maguire will start on the bench.
With Ayden Heaven also out and Tyler Fredricson looking out of his depth against Brentford, Victor Lindelof, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw could be the back three.
Shaw is another player who could make a late surge in Amorim’s thinking of who is his best XI, whether at centre back or wing back, so he needs to have minutes to increase his fitness and get to peak condition.
Andre Onana should be in goal.
Here, then, is our predicted lineup for today’s 2.30pm kick-off at Old Trafford:
Featured image Michael Steele 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.
