Rúben Amorim may look to hand five Academy starts as Manchester United face Hong Kong in the second of two post-season friendlies.
Manchester United are preparing for the second of their two post-season friendlies as they take on Hong Kong in Hong Kong, China.
Following a 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Rúben Amorim is expected to shake things up, blending senior players with Academy talent in an effort to bounce back from a poor showing.
It comes at the end of a frustrating domestic season in which United finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, meaning there will be no European football next year.
However, the tour is expected to generate over £8 million in revenue, and with Matheus Cunha on the verge of becoming the club’s first summer signing, there is cautious optimism for a more promising campaign ahead.
Amorim to start Kone and Kamason vs Hong Kong
Amorim is expected to make a host of changes to his starting team on Friday, one of which will likely be Altay Bayındır after André Onana and Tom Heaton played for half a game each in Malaysia.
As for the defence, United may see the return of Tyler Fredricson to the starting team on the right flank, with Jonny Evans potentially having his final start in Red with Leny Yoro returning to the team on the left.
As Diogo Dalot started the tie in Kulalr Kumpur, Amorim may instead choose to select Kamason from the start in the right wing-back role. At the same time, Harry Amass could replace Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu on the left.
“Special” Kone looks set for significant minutes in the middle of the park after his brilliant performance on Wednesday, and could partner Bruno Fernandes, who came on in the second half against ASEAN All-Stars.
As for the front three, Chido Obi may come in to replace Rasmus Højlund up front after the latter received heavy criticism for his “horrible” performance earlier this week.
Amad could start over Jack Moorhouse, and Alejandro Garnacho looks likely to be handed what may be his final few minutes on the right flank ahead of a possible transfer this summer.
United predicted XI vs Hong Kong
Bayındır, Fredricson, Evans, Yoro, Kamason, Kone, Fernandes, Amass, Amad, Obi, Garnacho.
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