Match Coverage
Manchester United XI vs Plzen: 11 changes expected – first Rúben Amorim minutes for two stars
Rúben Amorim is expected to change all 11 Manchester United players as they take on FC Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
Rúben Amorim will aim to get his side back on track as they travel to face FC Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
Manchester United face a lengthy 2,300-kilometre round trip for this fixture, which provides a vital opportunity to regain confidence and sharpen their attack after recent defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
Currently 12th in the Europa League standings with nine points, United are just one point behind Rangers, who occupy the 8th spot—the final position needed to progress to the next stage.
With games against Plzeň, Rangers, and Romanian side Fotbal Club FCSB still to come, United may need to win all three to secure a top-eight finish and keep their hopes of advancement alive.
11 changes expected
With Rúben Amorim able to select from an almost entirely available first-team squad, it is expected that he may change his entire XI for the Thursday evening clash.
With only Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans not travelling to the Czech Republic, Amorim could choose to hand goalkeeper Altay Bayındır his first start under the new boss, affording André Onana some rest before the Manchester Derby this weekend.
Victor Lindelöf may also be afforded his first minutes under Amorim after returning from an injury with Sweden in November, and could start at left centre-back while Harry Maguire starts in the middle and Noussair Mazraoui on the right.
In terms of wing-backs, Antony started on the right against Bodo/Glimt and may resume his role there, with Amorim confirming on Wednesday evening that Tyrell Malacia will start on the left. In midfield, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen could start, with Amorim no doubt wanting to dominate on the ball.
In attack, Marcus Rashford did not start against either Arsenal or Forest and so may be primed and ready to play in the left attacking midfield position, with Alejandro Garnacho having started four of the five recent games in that role.
Mason Mount, who Rúben Amorim rates highly, could be granted a shot on the right attacking role as a direct replacement for Bruno Fernandes, while Joshua Zirkzee could start for the first time since he scored twice against Everton.
Man United expected XI
Bayındır, Mazraoui, Maguire, Lindelöf, Antony, Casemiro, Eriksen, Malacia, Mount, Rashford, Zirkzee.
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