Ruben Amorim will not be taking any risks ahead of the Europa League final with more changes expected for Manchester United’s Premier League clash against West Ham United this weekend.
United and Tottenham will meet in Bilbao on 21 May after Amorim’s side sealed a 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Club to set up the all-English final.
Two Premier League games take place before then – at home to the Hammers on Sunday before a trip to Chelsea next Friday night. United’s Premier League campaign concludes after the Europa League final on 25 May against Aston Villa.
With United’s season riding on that Europa League final, Amorim is expected to make plenty of changes for the games against West Ham and Chelsea.
Noussair Mazraoui and Alejandro Garnacho were both withdrawn in the second-half on Thursday after a draining run of games with Harry Maguire also likely to be rested.
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The England international picked up a knock towards the end of the game and while he did not require treatment, he will likely drop out of the side this weekend.
While that final is now looming large, Amorim has suggested the likes of Bruno Fernandes will still get some minutes in the league. ‘They will play because sometimes it’s better to play,’ Amorim said.
Mason Mount and Amad Diallo were superb off the bench against Athletic, firmly putting themselves in the frame to start against Spurs later this month.
Mount’s injury problems since arriving from Chelsea have been well-documented and while there might be the temptation for Amorim to wrap him in cotton wool, building fitness and momentum is also important.
The same could be said for Amad, who made his return last week from an ankle injury that was previously thought to have ended his season.
Kobbie Mainoo is also expected to start after coming off the bench midweek with Christian Eriksen another in the frame to play against Graham Potter’s side.
Tyler Fredricson, Harry Amass and Chido Obi all started against Brentford last Sunday and are in line to keep their places in the side.
Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Jonny Evans, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, Toby Collyer and Joshua Zirkzee remain on the injured list.
Predicted Man Utd XI to face West Ham
Onana, Fredricson, Lindelof, Shaw, Dorgu, Ugarte, Mainoo, Amass, Mount, Eriksen, Obi
Where to watch Man Utd vs West Ham? Kick-off time and TV channel
Man Utd vs West Ham kicks off at 2:15pm on Sunday 11 May.
The match is not available to watch live in the UK having not been selected for live coverage. But you can follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE blog.