Ruben Amorim has sent a hint that two Manchester United starlets could start the upcoming Premier League clash against Brentford.
Manchester United took a commanding 3-0 lead into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final after a dominant display against Athletic Club in Bilbao on Thursday night.
With just one step remaining to reach the final, the Reds are fully focused on the competition as the season nears its conclusion.
As they prepare to return to Premier League action against Brentford this weekend, Ruben Amorim has made it clear he intends to avoid taking any unnecessary risks ahead of the crucial second leg against Athletic Club.
It was a similar case when United played Wolves after their quarter-final clash with Lyon – there was heavy rotation, with Bruno Fernandes among those coming out of the team.
Amorim sends major hint about two United starlets playing vs Brentford
Speaking to ICS before United’s latest Europa League win, Amorim suggested that young players will start the game against Brentford. The Portuguese boss also name-dropped Chido Obi, which hints at the 17-year-old getting his first start.
“Maybe some kids will have to play against Brentford,” Amorim said. “Chido cannot play against Athletic but, in the Premier League, yes, of course. They will have to play. We have some problems. We have some players, in this moment who can play one game, but the next one they cannot play.”
Rasmus Hojlund also played 90 minutes in back-to-back games against Athletic Club and Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, the United boss has also ruled Noussair Mazraoui out of contention to play this game as he is “in the limit to get an injury” and cannot be risked.
United do not have a natural alternative at right wingback as Diogo Dalot is injured and Amad is unlikely to start the game after only recently returning from injury.
That suggests that Amorim could look to promote one of the youngsters for that position and Bendito Mantato is one who the United boss rates highly.
With the teenager set to sign professional terms soon, there have been rumours suggesting that he will get his first-team debut before the end of the season and this seems to be the perfect opportunity.
Mantato is a right-winger in the Academy but has also played at left-back and is viewed as a player who could make the switch to wingback under Amorim. Like Obi, he travelled with the squad to Bilbao earlier this week.
United need to find a balance vs Brentford
While there is certainly going to be youth players included in the team at Brentford, United will also need to be strong enough to put up a solid enough challenge against a tough side.
Amorim needs to find the right balance between rotation and competitiveness. We are likely going to see Bruno Fernandes start the game for that reason.
“I know Brentford are a really tough team with a lot of quality. They have a really good bond between every player. You can feel it. We need to be prepared for a tough game against Brentford,” Amorim added.
The team will not be filled with youngsters in all positions but it does seem like there will be a few in the team, and fans will be excited to see how they play.
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