1 week Ago By Vatsal Gupta
Manchester United came through a difficult game at Bournemouth with their morale intact, drawing 1-1 courtesy of a late goal. That late goal, via Rasmus Hojlund, comes at the perfect time since he’s the only available striker for the Europa League due to Chido Obi’s ineligibility.It’s fair to say that Hojlund wasn’t playing for his place, then, but a few other players were since Ruben Amorim has genuine options to rotate now.
Three such players seem to have confirmed their starting place for the all-important Europa League clash if what Amorim did vs Bournemouth was any indication. Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty ImagesMan Utd’s three starters for Athletic Club Both Amorim and Bruno Fernandes said after the game that Bournemouth are similar to Athletic Club in many aspects of their game so this was perfect preparation. Therefore, players who did well here are also expected to start on Thursday, even though some present a dilemma, like Luke Shaw.
Three players who can feel good about their chances, however, are Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire, after what happened against Bournemouth. The trio was the first to get subbed off near the hour mark, a clear sign that their minutes were being managed ahead of starting another game three days later. Casemiro has become somewhat of a Europa League specialist, while Mainoo’s advanced role has unlocked the best out of him.
Maguire is the ever-present central centre-back (emergency striker!) so he was a shoo-in to start this game as well. Man Utd lineup decisions vs Athletic Club Adding Casemiro, Mainoo, and Maguire to the lineup vs Athletic starts giving a clear picture of the XI for that game, with the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana, and Bruno Fernandes starters too. Manuel Ugarte did well after coming off the bench vs Bournemouth and Mason Mount arguably sealed a starting place too, so someone in good form is bound to miss out.
Then there’s a decision to be made on Luke Shaw, who struggled before shifting to wing-back, where he shone and looked like his past dynamic self. The focus will be on combining players in good form with players in top physical condition because Athletic will make it a physical slog. They’re unlike most Spanish teams who prefer technical mastery and can be overwhelmed physically, and that’s a tricky matchup for United.
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