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Thursday 17 April 2025 13:45
Who will Ruben Amorim turn to for Manchester United’s biggest game of the season so far?
That’s the key question our MUTV pundits have been debating while playing our popular United Predictions game ahead of an Old Trafford night under the lights.
The boss may have suffered a blow to his plans when the in-form Joshua Zirkzee hobbled off in Sunday’s chastening defeat at Newcastle United. However, he’s welcomed back a couple of players in the fold over recent weeks who might now be fit to play the full match. Those include Harry Maguire — who represented the club in Wednesday’s press conference — and Luke Shaw, who created two chances in his cameo off the bench at Newcastle, which was his first appearance since December.
And then there’s the question of dreaming: which Red could be the hero on what we hope will be a special and memorable evening in M16? Could someone write their name in the history books with a stunning individual performance — a little like Bruno Fernandes against Real Sociedad in the last round — en route to ultimate Europa League glory?
The Reds know this competition is our final chance of lifting silverware this season. So, how many changes will Amorim make from Sunday’s fixture at St. James’ Park? And will United get the job done?
Well, our pundits, with three Champions League medals between them, have given us their insights to help you in making your own predictions. So, read their thoughts and then join us to predict Ruben’s starting XI, the scoreline, first goalscorer and your Man of the Match, and you’ll have the chance to win great prizes.
WES BROWN’S PREDICTIONS
United XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Garnacho; Mount, Fernandes; Hojlund.
Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes
Score: United 2-1 Lyon
First scorer: Bruno Fernandes
Two-time Champions League-winning full-back Wes Brown is backing Ruben to make the big call and bring Shaw into the starting line-up for this massive game.
We all know the qualities that Luke brings, and Wes thinks he’ll start in the three-man defence, hopefully supplying some excellent balls through midfield and down the wings.
That’s one of six changes in Brown’s starting line-up. The other notable call is that he thinks Amorim will go for a more attacking choice at wing-back by opting for Alejandro Garnacho on the left.
Shaw in training ahead of Thursday’s game.
Harry Amass acquitted himself excellently on his first United start at the weekend, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have both filled that left-wing-back role regularly this season. But Brown thinks it’ll be Garnacho, whose pace and directness could prove a boon against a Lyon side who might camp in on a tense European night.
Up front, it’s a straight swap with Rasmus Hojlund in for the absent Zirkzee, while Brown wants to see Kobbie Mainoo slot into midfield alongside Manuel Ugarte. Mason Mount is another to come in after some positive displays off the bench in recent weeks.
With all that, Wes is backing United for a narrow win.
DAVID MAY’S PREDICTIONS
United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Eriksen, Amass; Garnacho, Fernandes; Hojlund.
Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes
Score: United 3-1 Lyon
First scorer: Bruno Fernandes
Like Wes, Treble-winner David May sees United winning this one, and foresees our captain Bruno being the decisive figure. Both pundits predict Fernandes to be the first goalscorer and Man of the Match. Given his recent form, it’s a sensible shout.
However, May doesn’t think Shaw will be coming into the side for this one, instead backing Amass to retain his spot from Sunday, with Mazraoui playing as part of the back three and Dalot out on the right.
He also thinks the midfield will stay the same, just with one change to the forward line as Hojlund replaces Zirkzee.
WHAT RUBEN’S SAID
Keen for more insight before making your choices? Well, here’s the key lines from the boss to help you.
On the goalkeeper: “Onana. Onana will play tomorrow.”
On team news: “Joshua is out for the season. So he’s not going to play more this season. Let’s prepare him for the next one. Matta [Matthijs De Ligt] is going to return still this season. Ayden [Heaven] is out for this game, he had a small issue in the same spot during training, a contact with a team-mate. Jonny Evans is returning to the training but is not available for this game and some other players that we have to manage the minutes.”
So, does that indicate a starting spot for anyone in particular? You decide.
PLAY UNITED PREDICTIONS
Make your own picks in our United Predictions game now.
You have until 18:45 GMT to select your starting XI, and you can make your picks for first scorer, result and Man of the Match right up until kick-off.
With amazing prizes – including signed shirts and United Store vouchers – on offer, what are you waiting for? Get involved now!
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Thursday 17 April 2025 13:45
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