Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim will reportedly opt against fielding two players whom he admires in the starting lineup on Wednesday.
The Red Devils will lock horns with their Premier League rivals Tottenham in the final of the Europa League in Bilbao.
With the two clubs lying in miserable 16th and 17th spots respectively, this contest represents their one and only opportunity to salvage something out of a disastrous campaign and lock in a spot in the next edition of the Champions League.
Therefore, selecting a starting lineup has been a daunting task for both managers, especially Amorim who has been given a boost in recent hours in the shape of the returning Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro. All three players have been added to the matchday squad.
Joshua Zirkzee not fit enough to start
In recent hours, some suggested that Zirkzee could earn a surprising starting after pulling off a speedy recovery. The Dutchman may have started his campaign on a slow note, but gradually managed to gain the esteem of the fanbase as well as his manager.
However, according to Sky Sports reporter Daniel Khan, the 23-year-old won’t be selected in the starting XI.
“Unfortunately I think it will be too soon for Joshua Zirkzee. He picked up his hamstring injury mid-April. Amorim essentially ruled him out for the rest of the season, and we hadn’t seen him training before yesterday morning.
“It makes you think he will really lack any kind of sharpness, unless they have kept him training under wraps for longer, away from the cameras. But I have been at Manchester United for open training and he hasn’t featured at all.
“I think what he is is a great option to come off the bench, if they need to hold the ball up or if they need to chase a goal.”
Mason Mount Also set for a bench role
Moreover, Khan shot down the chances of Mason Mount starting. The attacking midfielder has been showing great strides after returning from a lengthy layoff, and Amorim had long identified him as a player he ‘loves’.
Nevertheless, the journalist expects the manager to keep his attacking trident unscathed, with Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo supporting Rasmus Hojlund.
“Mason Mount’s performances since his return from injury have been a huge boost to Ruben Amorim, especially in the semi-final. He has always been adamant that Mount will have a big part in his plans going forward.
“However, I think no to Mount starting tonight. That’s only because I think Amorim will go with the team that started the last few Europa League games.
“You can see that he prefers to start these big games with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes as a No 10. I think Amad Diallo will be one of the 10s as well.
“Then you have the flexibility to change it by moving Bruno back and maybe bringing on Mount as a No 10 if you want to go more attacking.”
