Rúben Amorim is expected to select one Manchester United Academy star in his Premier League squad for the first time as they prepare to face West Ham at Old Trafford.
Fresh from securing a spot in the Europa League final with a commanding 4-1 victory over Athletic Club, Manchester United now shift their focus back to the Premier League.
Rúben Amorim’s side prepare for their penultimate home match of the season—and their last at Old Trafford before the final—as they welcome West Ham to Manchester.
With European glory now the clear priority, Amorim is expected to give more minutes to Academy talents while fine-tuning the XI he plans to field in Bilbao in two weeks.
Still, with United languishing in 15th place, there remains a matter of pride to play for as they aim to salvage something from a disappointing domestic campaign.
Amorim expected to include Mantato in Premier League squad
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Academy star Bendito Mantato had signed his first professional contract at the club, committing to a four-year deal with the option of a further season.
He was then selected to be part of his first-ever matchday squad at Old Trafford with United during the Athletic Club win, and it’s now expected that he will be included in a Premier League squad for the first time, and may even debut for the season team.
Meanwhile, other Academy players are likely to be included, with Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Chido Obi, and Jaydan Kamason all likely to be part of the squad on Sunday afternoon.
Noussair Mazraoui may be left out of he squad after Amorim admitted that the Moroccan international has no energy, while Tom Heaton may also drop from the squad to accommodate space for Obi.
Amorim is still expected to select most of his first-team players within the squad for the Sunday afternoon tie, with those like Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount likely to be reintroduced to the starting team after fantastic displays in midweek.
Amorim will be using this fixture and the upcoming Chelsea tie as games that he can manipulate to prepare for the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur on 21 May.
United expected squad vs West Ham
Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir.
Defenders: Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, Harry Amass, Patrick Dorgu, Tyler Fredricsion, Jaydan Kamason, Luke Shaw.
Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, Kobbie Mainoo.
Forwards: Amad, Bendito Mantato, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund, Chido Obi.
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