Lindelof and Maguire in, Shaw out: Man United predicted XI for Chelsea clash
Manchester United have full focus on their Europa League final against Tottenham next week, which could mean there will be some rotation for their clash with Chelsea.
United’s form in the Premier League has fallen off a cliff, with no wins in their last seven games, leaving them 16th in the table.
Leny Yoro went off injured against West Ham and will now miss the final, so Ruben Amorim will be reluctant to risk more star players ahead of such an important game.
However, the Red Devils will also be looking to take some momentum into the clash with Spurs, and cannot afford to give everyone the night off.
Amorim is under pressure at Man United due to their poor domestic form, and even if they have nothing left to play for in the league, a win against Chelsea could help lift spirits.
United are guaranteed their worst-ever Premier League finish this season, with 13th being the highest position they can reach.
The Europa League final provides them with a chance to save their dismal campaign though, with the added bonus of a Champions League spot going to the winners.
In their final match before the final, here’s how Football Insider predicts Man United will lineup against Enzo Maresca’s side.
Harry Maguire to replace Yoro, with Andre Onana back between the sticks
Andre Onana
The Cameroon international has been rested for the past few Premier League games, with Altar Bayindir preferred between the sticks. However, with the last time he featured being the semi-final win against Athletic Club, Amorim will want to ensure Onana is back up to speed before the final.
Noussair Mazraoui
Bar being rested against Brentford, Mazraoui has started every single United game since January. With injuries in defence, the Moroccan will likely be forced to play on the right side of a back three.
Harry Maguire
When Yoro came off injured against West Ham, Maguire was the man to replace him, so it makes sense that the big centre half will slot straight into the defence in the youngster’s absence. Football Insider exclusively revealed that Man United are likely to offer Maguire a new contract this summer, with the defender impressing in the second half of the season.
Victor Lindelof
The 30-year-old replaced Shaw early in the second half against West Ham, with Amorim saying that he cannot take the risk with the English defender, due to his injury record. If Shaw is not 100% fit, he will likely be saved for the final, meaning Lindelof will get a start.
Amad Diallo
Diallo has been one of United’s most impressive players this season, and since returning from injury at the start of this month, has been featuring regularly at right-wing back. The youngster could still be left out for the final, but will most likely start against Chelsea.
Harry Amass to be trusted again, with Casemiro preferred to Manuel Ugarte
Casemiro
There was a time during this campaign when it felt like the Brazilian was well past his best, but after a dramatic turnaround, Man United fans want Casemiro to sign a new deal. The midfielder is clearly not at the level he used to be, but his recent form has been more than good enough for the Red Devils.
Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes is possibly the only man in this United team who’s performed consistently well over the past few seasons. Wherever he’s playing the midfielder always seems to drive his team forward, popping up with goals and assists. The Portuguese international will not only be vital against Chelsea, but also in next week’s final.
Harry Amass
With Amorim keen to rotate and rest some of his key players, Amass has benefitted, being handed a number of Premier League starts recently. The 18-year-old has featured in five league games this season, and looks set to make it number six against Maresca’s side.
Mason Mount to miss out, with Alejandro Garnacho handed a chance
Kobbie Mainoo
Since his return from injury, Mainoo has been utilised in the centre of midfield, as well as further forward. It would be no surprise to see the English midfielder in one of the two positions behind the striker against Chelsea, with the option to rotate and interchange with Fernandes during the game.
Alejandro Garnacho
There is growing speculation about Garnacho’s future at Man United, as the club targets the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Antoine Semenyo. However, while the winger is still at the club, he is likely to start the Europa League final, as well as feature in the remaining two Premier League games.
Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund has just started to find his shooting boots again, after a long barren run up front for the Red Devils. The striker found the net against Bournemouth, as well as scoring against Bilbao in the Europa League. With Joshua Zirkzee injured, Amorim has few choices to replace Hojlund.
