Over the last few days, The Peoples Person has been running a series in which each writer has chosen their preferred starting XI for tonight’s vital Europa League final.
Now is the time for our predicted XI – the team we believe Ruben Amorim will select for the game.
It’s a tricky one to predict, with a flurry of injured players returning back to training yesterday who could make the squad, if not the starting XI, for the game.
Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot and Josh Zirkzee were all spotted back with the first XI in open training. Jonny Evans, too, was involved in the session.
Defence
Of the four, Yoro seems the most likely to make the starting XI, having only missed one game for the Red Devils since picking up a foot injury. Victor Lindelof will probably return to the bench.
Matthijs de Ligt was also spotted in individual training and will travel, but he is reportedly unlikely to be in the squad.
Lisandro Martinez is the only player left on the treatment table.
It’s possible Amorim will also throw Dalot straight into his side, as he has been one of his most trusted lieutenants at United. We really cannot tell his fitness level but we’re predicting that if it’s feasible, he will start at right wing back.
Other options, such as Patrick Dorgu, would be a gamble in their own right as it is hard to say whether in a big final a youngster will freeze or rise to the occasion.
With Yoro fit, Luke Shaw may get the nod at left wing back, also ahead of Dorgu. It would be tough on the Dane, but Shaw’s experience could be vital in a huge game such as this.
It seems almost certain that the wing backs will be two of those three. Amad is also an option but we suspect he will play higher up the pitch.
Midfield and Attack
In central midfield, a rejuvenated Casemiro will almost certainly start. The question is who will play alongside him? The choice is likely to be between Manu Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes, although Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen and Toby Collyer are all fit and available.
It seems likely that Amorim will start with Alejandro Garnacho and Amad in the twin 10 roles, so the big issue is whether Rasmus Hojlund will keep his place at centre forward despite his awful form.
Playing Ugarte alongside Casemiro would allow Fernandes to replace Hojlund and play as a false nine. If Hojlund plays, Fernandes will likely be in midfield alongside the Brazilian, with Ugarte missing out.
Mason Mount is also in with a chance of starting, having been electric in the semi-final against Athletic Club. Zirkzee, too, could be a surprise inclusion but is more likely to start on the bench.
Andre Onana will, of course, be in goal.
With all that said, here is our predicted starting XI for tonight’s historic match:
Featured image Shaun Botterill 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.
