It is not true that there is nothing to play for as Manchester United take the field for the last Premier League match of their dismal 2024/25 campaign against Aston Villa today.
The Red Devils could finish as low as 17th and as high as 14th depending on their and others’ results, which means a difference of around £10 million in prize money.
It’s therefore likely head coach Ruben Amorim will put out a side he thinks can win the game, but he is likely to also lay a foundation for the type of side he wants to start building for the 2025/26 season.
Andre Onana is one player who could be sidelined after a poor season, giving Altay Bayindir a chance in goal.
Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are likely to start and represent beacons of hope for next season. Harry Maguire could be the third centre back if Matthijs de Ligt has not recovered from injury.
With Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans set to leave and Lisandro Martinez injured, it’s possible that Amorim will look to Heaven, De Ligt and Yoro as youthful starting trio going forward, with Maguire, Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui and Martinez as backups.
Diogo Dalot is a trusted lieutenant so he could play today at right wing back, with Patrick Dorgu on the left.
Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte could be the central midfield pair. There have been reports of a big offer from Saudi Arabia for Fernandes so if he does not make the starting XI, rumours will spread like wildfire.
Casemiro, Toby Collyer and Kobbie Mainoo are also options to start the game.
Up front, it’s likely that Amorim finally pulls the plug on Rasmus Hojlund’s dreadful campaign and gives the even younger Chido Obi a start.
With Alejandro Garnacho on his way out of the club, Josh Zirkzee and Amad will probably support Obi, although Mason Mount is another option.
If results give way to sentimentality, Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Christian Eriksen might feature at some point as they say goodbye to the club.
With all that in mind, here is our predicted starting XI for today’s 4pm kick-off at Old Trafford:
Featured image Gareth Copley 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.
