Paul Scholes has explained that Rúben Amorim must start two Manchester United stars as they line up to face Tottenham in the Europa League final.
Manchester United are set to face off against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on Wednesday evening as Rúben Amorim looks to secure his first trophy at his new club.
United’s road to the final has not been smooth. The club climbed from 21st to 3rd in the league phase before overcoming Real Sociedad, Olympique Lyonnais, and Athletic Club to make it to the final in Bilbao.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s knockout run saw them secure victories against AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bodo/Glimt to book their place against Amorim’s United.
With both teams sitting toward the bottom of the Premier League table, whoever wins on the night is set to lift the Europa League trophy and secure Champions League qualification, which comes with an additional £85+ million in revenue.
Scholes names two players who must start against Spurs
Ahead of the tie, legendary United midfielder Paul Scholes penned a column for TNT Sports, explaining who he feels Amorim must turn to on the night.
Although Mason Mount, who earns £250,000 a week at United, started against Chelsea last week, Scholes has urged Amorim to consider starting Amad and Alejandro Garnacho on either side of Rasmus Højlund.
“I would try and start Amad and Garnacho in the final because they’re United’s two biggest goal threats, along with Bruno Fernandes,” Scholes explained.
“The best way might be to drop Fernandes back in the central midfield role alongside Casemiro, which has worked well in the past, especially in European games.”
Is there an argument for Højlund to be dropped?
Højlund has been in poor form of late. His display against Chelsea, in which he failed to register a single shot, sparked conversations claiming he should be dropped for the Europa League final.
However, Scholes has reiterated that he feels the Danish striker will start against Tottenham, but that if he doesn’t, Fernandes could take a role as a false nine.
“I think Amorim will start Højlund in the final because he hasn’t been too bad in the Europa League. He’s looked like a real threat and scored some important goals, but in the Premier League, he’s been really poor.”
Scholes continued: “If Amorim wanted to change things up, he could play Bruno Fernandes as a false nine just like Ten Hag did in last season’s FA Cup final win over City.
“I know he’s tried Kobbie Mainoo in that position too, but I don’t think he’s suited to it and Fernandes is a bit more mobile.’
“With Fernandes playing as a false centre-forward, you could also start with Casemiro and Ugarte in central midfield. There are plenty of selection dilemmas for Amorim, but I just hope he gets it right. The problem is the manager doesn’t know what he’s going to get from most of his players on the day.”
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