Predicted Man United XI vs Chelsea: Ruben Amorim ready to risk stars’ fitness | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim said in the pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with Chelsea that he would not put any of his Manchester United players in cotton wool for Wednesday’s Europa League final unless they had fitness issues.

Amorim said that five days offers plenty of recovery time and that players need to play to stay sharp.

He also confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot will not feature today and are in a race against time to make Wednesday’s squad.

On that basis, Andre Onana is likely to be in goal.

Harry Maguire might be one with fitness issues but given the absence of De Ligt, Yoro and Lisandro Martinez, we think he will still make the starting XI.

Ayden Heaven, however, is back in the squad after missing seven games with injury. He could feature, as could Tyler Fredricson. One of them is likely to replace Maguire after an hour.

Victor Lindelof and Noussair Mazraoui will probably make up the back three, with Luke Shaw also one who Amorim clearly wants to prepare carefully with Wednesday in mind.

Patrick Dorgu and Harry Amass will probably be the wing backs unless Amad is deemed to be an acceptable risk over 90 minutes. The Ivorian needs minutes but he is also vital to United, so it will be a difficult decision for the boss.

Manu Ugarte and Casemiro should both be fit to play in central midfield.

Toby Collyer is back in the squad after injury and is an alternative in midfield along with Christian Eriksen and Kobbie Mainoo.

Up front, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes will probably flank Rasmus Hojlund, with Mason Mount another player who is being carefully managed.

Chido Obi is another option up top and will probably come on for Hojlund early in the second half.

Josh Zirkzee is out injured.

With all that in mind, here is our predicted starting XI for tonight’s 8.15pm kick-off at the Bridge:

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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