Rúben Amorim has hinted that he will field a strong starting XI as Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford on the final day of the Premier League season.
After a dismal showing in the Europa League final, Manchester United now shift their focus to the final game of the season — a home clash with Aston Villa on Premier League matchday 38.
Unai Emery’s side head to Old Trafford chasing Champions League qualification, while United, languishing in 16th place, are left with little more than pride to play for.
Rúben Amorim’s men could still mathematically finish 14th if West Ham drop points against Ipswich Town and Wolves lose to Brentford, but such a result would offer only the slightest lift at the end of a deeply frustrating campaign marked by inconsistency and underachievement.
With the sting of European failure still fresh, form declining, and Villa highly motivated, fears are growing that United may conclude this turbulent season with one final, bruising defeat in front of an anxious home crowd.
United’s injury news ahead of the Europa League final
Ahead of the Europa League final, United were handed a major boost as Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot, and Leny Yoro all returned to the squad — a welcome lift for Amorim.
Matthijs de Ligt didn’t make the matchday squad but was seen at the stadium in Bilbao. Given the lack of importance in the upcoming clash with Villa, it’s unlikely the Dutch defender will be risked.
Lisandro Martínez remains sidelined with an ACL injury and isn’t expected back until November. Aside from Martínez and De Ligt, however, Amorim has a full first-team squad at his disposal.
United’s promising youngsters — Chido Obi, Harry Amass, and Tyler Fredricson — are also in contention to start.
Amorim hints at strong XI selection vs Villa
With the tie a dead rubber one for United, some fans are expecting that Amorim may choose to play second-string players in the final game, as there is little logic in risking United’s key players ahead of the club’s post-season tour in Malaysia and Hong Kong next week.
However, speaking in his pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon, Amorim hinted that he will play the fixture with a strong starting team as he wants to amek sure the club finish their season with a win in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
We have this game against Villa and we need to focus on that it is not over,” Amorim told reporters. “We want to finish in a good way in front of our supporters.”
With Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelöf all set to depart the club this summer once their contracts expire, they may be given a final run-out at Old Trafford. At the same time, it’s still hoped that United’s younger players will be given further minutes.
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