Ruben Amorim has stated clearly that he intends to rotate his Manchester United side heavily in the upcoming weeks and we expect this to begin in tomorrow’s Europa League match against Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford.
The coach has explained that he needs to create extra training sessions so his players can get used to his methods, and the only way he can do that is have a first team training session on matchdays, with rotated players not included in the matchday squad.
While the Norwegian side should not be underestimated – they lie a point ahead of United in the table – a home game against theoretically weaker opposition could, in any case, be the perfect opportunity for the boss to reintroduce players returning from injury.
Luke Shaw got some minutes on Sunday against Ipswich and could start. As Amorim has said Martinez is fit, he could come straight back in at centre back with Shaw playing left wing back.
Martinez had been ruled out for 2-3 weeks with a back injury, but was back in training today, along with Harry Maguire. The England man will not take part tomorrow, though, according to the coach.
Victor Lindelof is still not fit. Jonny Evans did not play well in the position on Sunday and could be one of the rotated stars.
Tomorrow is also too soon for the long-awaited debut of Leny Yoro at centre back, as he is still not taking part in every training session.
Matthijs de Ligt will probably keep his place to make up the back three.
Sunday’s other centre back, Noussair Mazraoui could therefore play the same role again.
Amad is likely to be rotated. Amorim has promised that he has “two positions” ready for Mason Mount to play and we could find out whether one of them is wing back. We could see him on the right and Shaw on the left.
Christian Eriksen and Casemiro could also be on the rotated list, with Kobbie Mainoo returning from injury and Manuel Ugarte coming in for his first start under the new boss.
Bruno Fernandes might avoid the cull, given that he is captain, and could play in a front three that may feature Rasmus Hojlund and Josh Zirkzee. This means Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho being rested.
Antony is another option.
We have suggested reserve keeper Altay Bayindir might also get a run out, but it is hard to know where Amorim stands on keeper rotation.
With all that in mind, here is our predicted XI for tomorrow’s 8pm kick off:
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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.
