Rúben Amorim may have some changes on his mind for the Europa League final after Manchester United’s Premier League loss against Chelsea on Friday evening.
Rúben Amorim chose to field a very strong starting XI as Manchester United travelled to face Chelsea in their penultimate Premier League fixture of the campaign, despite the Europa League final on the horizon.
With some players aiming to prove themselves worthy of a spot from the off against Tottenham next Wednesday, the tie started with United looking to dominate on the ball. Harry Maguire had an early goal ruled out for a tight offside.
While not much happened for the remainder of the opening 45 minutes, the second half saw United with a flurry of early chances, but it was Chelsea who took the lead with 20 minutes to play as Marc Cucurella headed in a superb cross from Reece James.
While United tried to fight back, Chelsea saw the game out without too much fuss, securing their spot back in the Premier League’s top five while United turn their heads to the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur next Wednesday.
#1 – A decent blend of staying sensible but positive
When it was announced that Amorim had chosen to field many of United’s key players from the start at Stamford Bridge, some fans expressed concern that if someone got injured, this could harm the club’s chances in the Europa League final.
Beyond this, there was also the possibility that United’s players could tire and fatigue, leaving the side not as fresh as Tottenham next Wednesday—but the first half saw the team balance keeping a high tempo while remaining sensible and not risking injury.
In the second half, United continued to play in such fashion, with the ultimate win for Amorim’s side on the night being that there seem to be no fresh injuries to worry about.
#2 – United looked dangerous but not clinical
Credit where credit is due, United looked positive when on the attack, looking to drive at Chelsea and create chances, but with Rasmus Højlund up top, they did not look clinical enough to finish anything off.
Multiple chances dropped to those such as Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes, but United’s players collectively could not convert, leaving the attack feeling untethered.
While United have often found a way to score in the Europa League, it has come from moments of individual brilliance or throwing the kitchen sink at the opposition, which may worry Amorim ahead of the final.
#3 – A case to play without a striker vs Tottenham
With Amorim using the Chelsea game as the final fixture where he can assess his players in-game ahead of selecting his starting XI for the final, there is definitely a case for Højlund not to play, after the player failed to put in a good audition ahead of the fixture.
Despite being the only senior striker available, he consistently lacks a goal threat, and it may be better if Amorim switches the front three up and potentially starts Fernandes at the very top, similarly to how United set up for the FA Cup final last campaign.
The head coach has previously trialled Mainoo in the position, but not to much avail, while Fernandes could be a good option to play there.
#4 – Garnacho should start over Mount in the final
Mount’s second return to Stamford Bridge after signing for United from Chelsea was rather unimpressive, with the player failing to have much of an impact on the fixture.
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Although Alejandro Garnacho did not have too much of an impact when he came on, his general abilities as a more chaotic and fast-paced forward may make him better-suited to facing Tottenham next week.
Mount was fantastic off the bench in the semi-final second leg against Athletic Club, with his two goals proof of his abilities, but it may be better if he were able to come off the bench against Tottenham.
#5 – Unscathed for the final
Although United suffered yet another loss in the Premier League, fans will be happy to see that key players such as Amad, Fernandes, Maguire, and Luke Shaw have all exited Stamford Bridge unscathed.
The side that Amorim fielded, for the most part, feels like the side that will start in the final, as United do not have many other options.
The only remaining question marks surround the fitness of Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro. If they can recover in time, they will all be in contention to play.
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