Rúben Amorim has been tipped to start three of Manchester United’s brightest Academy stars as they face Brentford in the Premier League this weekend.
Manchester United make the trip to Brentford on Sunday afternoon as they aim to arrest their poor run of form in the Premier League and build on recent European momentum.
Rúben Amorim’s men arrive in West London full of confidence after a commanding 3-0 win over Athletic Club in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final in Bilbao. Casemiro opened the scoring with a towering header before Bruno Fernandes struck twice to give United a strong advantage heading into the return leg at Old Trafford.
While their performances in Europe have been impressive, United’s domestic struggles continue. They are winless in their last five league matches, slipping further away from the top four and in need of a response to steady their Premier League campaign.
With Thursday night’s decisive second leg fast approaching, Amorim is expected to rotate heavily, giving key players a rest and using the opportunity to hand valuable minutes to several Academy prospects looking to make their mark.
Amorim tipped to start three Academy stars
With United keeping one eye on the second leg of their Europa League semi-final, Amorim has been open in admitting that he will look to play Academy players on Sunday afternoon to allow his senior figures to rest.
Speaking exclusively to UtdDistrict, former Premier League striker Alan Smith has tipped the head coach to start Academy trio Chido Obi, Harry Amass, and Tyler Fredricson as the side line up against Brentford.
The latter two have already been granted stars under Amorim previously, but if Obi were to line up as the striker, it would be his full debut for the club after five appearances off the bench.
“Amorim was talking about playing some of the kids in between European games. However, he went with a fairly strong side against Bournemouth,” Smith explained to UtdDistrict.
“Harry Amass, who has been playing, and Fredricson, the other young lad, didn’t start this time [against Bournemouth]. Luke Shaw came in, and it was his first start in a while. I’m sure they’ll be careful with him after such a long injury.
“So those boys I mentioned, maybe could come back in again. Obi, the youngster up top, could get a chance, but Højlund got his goal, so that bodes well, hopefully, for him starting.”
Two other possible debuts on the cards
With Diogo Dalot sidelined and both Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu unlikely to start, Harry Amass is expected to come in at left wing-back, allowing Dorgu a well-earned rest.
To cover for Mazraoui, Amorim is likely to hand out another debut on Sunday afternoon.
There are two main contenders for the right wing-back spot. One is Jaydan Kamason, an explosive left-back known for his eye for goal and dynamic attacking style—attributes that translate well to the wing-back role.
The other option is Bendito Mantato, who is expected to sign a new five-year deal with the club. However, with Mantato listed as a forward in United’s Europa League squad, it suggests Amorim views him as a future attacking midfielder rather than a wing-back.
Alan Smith was speaking exclusively to UtdDistrict on behalf of BestBettingSites.
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