Four Manchester United Academy stars are likely to be within Rúben Amorim’s squad against Lyon at Old Trafford as Joshua Zirkzee is replaced.
Following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday, Rúben Amorim is now fully focused on Manchester United’s Europa League campaign.
United return to Old Trafford on Thursday evening to face Olympique Lyonnais in the decisive second leg of their quarter-final showdown.
The first leg ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw in France. Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee put United ahead twice, but Lyon responded through Thiago Almada and a stoppage-time equaliser from Rayan Cherki to keep the tie finely balanced.
With the second leg taking place on home turf, Amorim will be hoping his side can take full advantage and book their place in the semi-finals, where Athletic Bilbao or Rangers await.
That semi-final spot is still up for grabs too, after the two sides played out a goalless draw in Glasgow—despite Rangers being reduced to ten men early on following a red card for Dutch defender Robin Pröpper just 13 minutes in.
Amorim’s Zirkzee replacement named
The most significant change in United’s squad to face Lyon compared to the side that lost against Newcastle is that forward Zirkzee will not feature, having suffered a hamstring injury in the second half of the defeat.
According to BBC Sport, the 23-year-old may not feature again this season owing to the injury’s severity, but he will certainly miss several weeks with the issue.
With the Dutchman out, Amorim will no doubt have to turn to the Academy to replace him, with the most likely replacements being James Scanlon and Jack Moorhouse, both of whom Amorim is known to appreciate.
Meanwhile, Ayden Heaven will be welcomed back to the Europa League after he was included in the matchday squad against Newcastle, remaining on the bench.
Luke Shaw saw his first minutes since December when he featured for 12 minutes at St. James’ Park, with André Onana set to return to the squad after he was left out on the weekend, although there is no guarantee of who will start in goal.
Harry Amass is due to stay within the squad, with his Academy teammate Jack Fletcher rounding up the four young stars likely to be included in the matchday squad.
United predicted squad vs Newcastle
Goalkeepers: André Onana, Altay Bayındır, Tom Heaton.
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Victor Lindelöf, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Harry Amass, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu.
Midfielders: Christian Eriksen, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Jack Fletcher.
Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund, James Scanlon, Jack Moorhouse.
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