This formidable United XI will crush Spurs and take home the Europa League title – opinion

In just a few days, on 21 May, Manchester United will play their biggest game of the season: the UEFA Europa League final.

United’s unbeaten nine wins and five draws have secured their place in the show piece occasion against Tottenham Hotspur.

The two Premier League sides will square off at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, with kick-off at 8 pm UK time.

With both United and Tottenham sitting closer to the bottom of the league table than the top, and neither having a realistic chance of qualifying for Europe through league placement, winning the Europa League is everything for both clubs.

It is no secret that lifting the Europa League trophy guarantees a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. For United to reach that elite competition, Ruben Amorim must get his tactics spot on and select a winning lineup.

The Peoples Person is running a series in which each writer chooses their ideal starting eleven for the game.

Notably, these are dream teams, not predicted lineups. That said, here’s Daniel’s selection.

Injuries are bound to influence team selection.

There is hope that Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Diogo Dalot will be available, with Amorim insisting that everyone wants to be fit for the occasion.

Given this is United’s most critical game of the season, the team cannot afford to gamble on match fitness.

Instead, they should play it safe with the Europa League final lineup. There is perhaps no safer selection than this:

Daniel’s preferred United XI against Spurs

In goal, despite inconsistencies in United’s goalkeeping department, I feel André Onana, who has shown he can step up on his day, keeps his spot.

Defence

If De Ligt and Yoro fail to pass their match fitness tests, I would favour a back three consisting of Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.

The experienced trio should provide defensive stability.

Maguire has been outstanding and deserves his place in the lineup. Versatile Mazraoui has performed well on the right side of a back three, and he should be reliable again.

When fully fit, Shaw is classy. Some have noted he has returned slightly rusty, lacking pace, but this is when I expect him to rise to the challenge.

Midfield

In midfield and wing-back, I expect Amad Diallo to step in as the right wing-back in Dalot’s absence, depending on his match fitness levels, if available.

A midfield quartet of Diallo, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Patrick Dorgu makes me confident there will be a strong defensive shield in front of United’s backline.

Casemiro’s resurgence and Ugarte’s brilliant European form should provide the foundation for United’s dominance.

Attack

Bruno Fernandes, one of the two number tens, and Rasmus Højlund, leading the line, are guaranteed starters.
The big question, however, is who should play alongside Fernandes as the other number ten.

Alejandro Garnacho arguably deserves to start, but his lack of a clinical edge remains a concern.

United cannot afford to squander clear-cut chances.

If there is one quality the team needs on Wednesday night, it is ruthlessness in front of the goal.

As controversial as it may be, between Mason Mount and Garnacho, Mount could be the safer bet to join Fernandes and Højlund in attack.

Mount produced a “complete performance” when he came on during the 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Given “that performance”, scoring a brace, I would trust him to pick up where he left off.

Here, then, is my dream line-up for the game:

Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images

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