Manchester United fans believe they have spotted a hint at where two of Rúben Amorim’s players will start against Athletic Bilbao, but it means an “exciting” star will be ignored.
Manchester United are preparing to face Athletic Club in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday afternoon — a pivotal test in what has been a turbulent but thrilling campaign under Rúben Amorim.
United reached this stage in dramatic fashion, staging a remarkable comeback against Olympique Lyonnais. Quickfire goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire secured a 7-6 aggregate win in a chaotic night at Old Trafford.
Since then, however, their domestic form has dipped. The Reds fell to a 1-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers before salvaging a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from Rasmus Højlund.
With Premier League having faded, full focus now shifts to the Europa League. United have spent the last few days preparing before flying to Spain on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Thursday’s showdown in Bilbao.
United fans spot starting XI hint vs Bilbao
Ahead of the fixture, United held an open training session for the media to attend, with the headline news being that Amad and Matthijs de Ligt had both returned to the squad. However, it remains unclear whether the pair will travel to Spain.
Aside from the two returns, United fans also saw a host of Academy talent involved, with players such as Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Sekou Kone, and Bentido Mantato all taking part.
However, a piece of footage which has somewhat flown under the radar is that Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui were spotted being put through their paces separately from the group.
Although a player being taken aside by a coach sometimes signals a fitness issue, United fans in the comments have theorised that Dorgu and Mazraoui both being taken to the side hints that this may be Amorim’s chosen wing-back pairing for the upcoming Bilbao tie.
With Diogo Dalot out of action due to a calf injury, Mazraoui has started the club’s last two games at right wing-back. At the same time, Dorgu played there against Wolverhampton Wanderers but is preferred on the left.
Amorim set to ignore “exciting” Amass
Amid United’s loss of Dalot, there have been calls for Amorim to continue starting “exciting” Academy left-back Amass. Still, considering the importance of the fixture, Amorim may be better off ignoring said calls for the away tie.
Read More: Athletic Bilbao boss reveals concern about four Manchester United stars ahead of Europa League clash
Amass will no doubt be part of the travelling squad that lands in Spain, but considering his inexperience, putting him up against a high-flying Bilbao side may be a little too much for the 18-year-old to handle.
As it’s the first leg and United are playing away from him, Amorim will look to be cautious and see United play with a staunch and strong back line. Having Mazraoui as a more defensive-minded wing-back on the right, paired with a physical Dorgu on the left, may be the best way forward.
However, this does not discount Amass as being a potential dynamic option to come off the bench across either leg, with the teenager showing himself to be a player keen to get the ball forward and play crosses into the area.
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