United Beyond Manchester

After a legendary triumph over Lyon in the Europa League, Ruben Amorim has to turn his attention back to an almost meaningless Premier League battle with 16th-place Wolves. United’s full attention for the rest of the season will be given to the European competition, as it is the only remaining way the Reds can get a spot in next season’s Champions League.

With those preparations in mind for the first leg against Bilbao in the first week of May, who will Amorim rest, and which young players could see an opportunity to shine and show their talent with the first team?

Team News

Casemiro and Harry Maguire were two heroes who played 120 minutes on Thursday night. Expect neither to see the field against Wolves, as they should get a night off. Victor Lindelof and Noussair Mazraoui missed part or all of the match due to ‘personal reasons’ and could both start in the back three. Luke Shaw struggled off the bench and is likely to round out the defensive line to regain match fitness in a less stressful match.

In the midfield, Harry Amass should be one of the youngsters who gets an opportunity to start and would take the left wing back role. The 18-year-old has been getting chances frequently and was on the field during the dramatic comeback against Lyon.

Kobbie Mainoo, who scored the critical equalizer in the 120th minute, is a candidate to make his first start since returning from injury. He has made three substitute appearances since his two-month layoff.

Diogo Dalot may remain on the right with limited options in that spot and Christian Eriksen could rotate into the starting group for Casemiro.

Mason Mount is another injury returnee who has yet to make the eleven since coming back. He could start at Old Trafford on Sunday and provide Bruno Fernandes a rest. Alejandro Garnacho, who created the opening goal on Thursday, and Chido Obi are possible options to round out the front three.

While only Amass and Obi are projected to start, several other talented youngsters such as Sekou Kone, Jack Moorhouse, Godwill Kukonki, and Jaydan Kamason could make their first-team debuts off the bench. Ruben Amorim hinted at opportunities for the academy prospects saying, “It is a difficult moment, it is not the right moment for the kids to play, but if we have to do it then we will do it.”

Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad, and Toby Collyer are long-term absentees.

Lineup Prediction

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw

Midfielders: Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen, Harry Amass

Attackers: Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho, Chido Obi