Ruben Amorim has made a bold call for Manchester United’s clash against Athletic Club as Victor Lindelof starts in the backline.
Manchester United will play the first-leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club in the Estadio de San Mamés on Thursday evening.
The Reds have been terrible in domestic competition this term – sitting 14th in the Premier League – but are the only club who remain unbeaten in this European tournament.
Ruben Amorim’s side can end the season on a high if they managed to lift silverware and this would also secure Champions League football for them next term.
They will have confidence heading into this tie after beating Real Sociedad and Lyon in the knockout stages beforehand, although Athletic Club are expected to be their toughest test.
Amorim explains why Lindelof starts for United vs Athletic Club
When Amorim’s starting lineup was confirmed ahead of the game, many fans were surprised to see Victor Lindelof starting in the defence.
The Swede is alongside Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro in the back three while Noussair Mazraoui has stepped up into the wingback role in Diogo Dalot’s absence.
Lindelof is expected to leave the club once the season finishes and some have questioned the decision to start him for only the ninth time this season.
Some expected Luke Shaw to start instead but Amorim has explained that he has to manage the English defender after playing 90 minutes last time out.
The Portuguese boss has also praised the experience and on-ball ability of Lindelof ahead of what will be a crucial game for the 30-year-old.
“We had to take [out] Luke Shaw from the last game because we have to manage our players. Vic [Lindelof] is a player that is really good on the ball also, he’s really experienced,” Amorim told club media.
United bench could make the difference
United’s bench does look much stronger for this game, spearheaded by the returns of Amad and Matthijs de Ligt, and it could play a crucial part in the result.
There are several players who could make a difference off the bench, such as Amad, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo while young winger Bendito Mantato is also named amongst the substitutes.
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The Reds know that they head back to Old Trafford for the second-leg and that a positive result in Spain would be a huge boost ahead of that game.
But they will need to be solid in defence and clinical in attack, things that he haven’t seen too often this season.
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