Rúben Amorim may choose to drop six Manchester United stars from his squad entirely as they prepare to face Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season.
After a dismal showing in the Europa League final, Manchester United now turn their attention to the last game of the season—a home clash with Aston Villa on Premier League matchday 38.
Unai Emery’s Villa side are still pushing for a Champions League spot, while United, stuck in 16th, have nothing left to play for but pride and the hope of ending a miserable campaign with some measure of dignity.
Rúben Amorim’s men could technically climb to 14th if West Ham fail to beat Ipswich Town and Wolves lose to Brentford, but such a finish would hardly mask the disappointment of a season that has fallen well short of expectations.
With confidence shattered, pressure mounting, and Villa arriving with everything on the line, there’s growing concern that United could suffer one last humiliating defeat in front of their own fans.
Players could be dropped from the squad after Europa League loss
With the European loss against Tottenham sending the club and fans into a foul mood, Amorim would not be faulted for choosing to omit some first-team players from the squad entirely on Sunday afternoon.
The tie against Villa is almost entirely meaningless for United, and many fans have expressed a hope that the head coach will opt to start many of United’s younger Academy players rather than the first-team, who let so many down in midweek.
Harry Amass, Chido Obi, and Tyler Fredricsion may return to the starting XI. At the same time, Bendito Mantato has been tipped to finally make his much-anticipated debut for the club after signing a professional contract earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho could see himself omitted from the squad following controversial comments about his future after the Europa League final. Amorim often has little tolerance for disruptive behaviour in his matchday squads.
There is also a solid chance that others who have played significant minutes through injury this season, such as Noussair Mazraoui and Harry Maguire, may be left out to minimise further injury risk. Luke Shaw could also be left out to make sure he does not pick up another injury.
With Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelöf, and Christian Eriksen set to leave the club this summer, after their contracts expire next month, Amorim may hand all three players a farewell performance at Old Trafford.
Altay Bayındır is also expected to be sold in the coming months, so he could be given one final outing at the ground, meaning there would be little reason for André Onana to be selected.
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With Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte likely to start and Toby Collyer back from injury, Casemiro could also be handed a day off following the Europa League final as the squad prepare for a trip to South East Asia for the club’s post-season tour.
United predicted squad vs Aston Villa
Goalkeepers: Altay Bayındır, Tom Heaton.
Defenders: Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelöf, Tyler Fredricsion, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass, Diogo Dalot.
Midfielders: Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Toby Collyer, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo.
Forwards: Amad, Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Chido Obi, Bendito Mantato.
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