Rúben Amorim is expected to hand three Academy players their full debuts as Manchester United welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Premier League.
Manchester United are back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon, as they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.
Rúben Amorim’s last outing saw United complete a thrilling 7-6 aggregate win over Olympique Lyonnais at Old Trafford, securing their place in the Europa League semi-finals, where they will face Athletic Bilbao.
Amorim will also be looking to settle the score with Vitor Pereira’s Wolves, who defeated United 2-0 in December, with goals from Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-Chan.
The 40-year-old head coach will be eager for his team to carry the momentum from their dramatic win over Lyon into this return to domestic action.
Amorim predicted to give three full debuts
Following the club’s 120-minute fixture against Lyon in midweek, a number of changes are expected to be sanctioned by Amorim on Sunday afternoon.
Although André Onana will likely remain in goal with the head coach keen to keep his confidence in the Cameroon international, Harry Maguire is likely to drop to the bench as he’s rested following a stunning display in midweek.
Victor Lindelöf did not feature and could be handed a start in the middle, while Noussair Mazraoui only played 45 minutes in the Europa League, which hands him the chance to play on the right. Both players had to leave Old Trafford at half-time on Thursday due to personal reasons, but Amorim has confirmed that the issues have now been resolved and both are available for selection.
Leny Yoro played 90 minutes against Lyon and has started the club’s last seven games, meaning he could be rested with Luke Shaw starting his first fixture for the club in over a year.
In midfield, it is expected that Casemiro will be rested. As Manuel Ugarte was brought off against Lyon, he may continue, with Kobbie Mainoo also being handed his first start for the club in two months, following his goal against Lyon. However, he may not play a full 90 minutes.
As for the wing-backs, Amorim mentioned that Dalot is one player who is suffering from immense fatigue. If the Portuguese international is rested, this provides the perfect chance for bright young star Jaydan Kamason, who was on the bench against Lyon, to make his debut for the club from the off.
At left wing-back, Harry Amass may come back into the fold to replace Patrick Dorgu.
In attack, a further two full debuts could be given. With Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes in dire need of a rest and Rasmus Højlund not on great form, the whole front three could be replaced on Sunday afternoon.
Mason Mount has made four consecutive appearances off the bench since returning from injury and may be handed a start on the left of the front three, while the striker slot may see Chido Obi make his first full start after his three bench appearances so far. Amorim hinted earlier this week that this may be the case.
To replace Garnacho, Jack Moorhouse may be the most likely candidate due to his profile. Moorhouse is known for being a player who excels at carrying the ball with a burst of pace, which would enable him to fill the Argentine’s role effectively in his early minutes for the club.
Amorim should take confidence in the fact that the tie will be played at Old Trafford, meaning any inexperienced players will have the full support of United’s loyal fans, who are undoubtedly buzzing after the comeback against Lyon on Thursday evening.
Predicted United XI vs Wolves
Onana, Mazraoui, Lindelöf, Shaw, Kamason, Ugarte, Mainoo, Amass, Moorhouse, Obi, Mount.
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