0
Ruben Amorim has a dilemma in picking his Manchester United side to face Glasgow Rangers tonight in the Europa League.
Having put in a terrible performance against Brighton on Sunday, United need to get their confidence back. It is also important that they make no mistake and get three points to help their quest for automatic qualification into the last 16 of the tournament.
On the other hand, it should be a relatively easy home tie and a chance to rest some tired legs before a difficult away match at Fulham on Sunday.
Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have had a lot of minutes recently and could be among those to be given the night off. Lisandro Martinez could be reinstated on the left side of defence, with Harry Maguire in the middle and Leny Yoro on the right.
Victor Lindelof is another option but is not match fit. Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw are still not available.
Diogo Dalot could replace Mazraoui as right wing back with Tyrell Malacia coming in as left wing back.
In central midfield, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo could also be rested. Bruno Fernandes might get another game as an eight and he could be accompanied by Casemiro, an experienced campaigner in Europe.
Christian Eriksen and Toby Collyer are other options, but Mason Mount is still injured.
Up front, Amad probably also should be rested but with Antony looking bound for Real Betis on loan, we think the Ivorian will have to play again for lack of alternatives.
Alejandro Garnacho could play on the left side of the attack.
Josh Zirkzee is edging ahead of Rasmus Hojlund as the preferred centre forward but perhaps he, too, will be rested. If Hojlund does well he could keep his place but if he does not, it will confirm to Amorim to play Zirkzee on Sunday.
Finally, we are tipping Altay Bayindir to start in goal. Andre Onana had a dreadful game on Sunday and Bayindir was United’s man of the match against Arsenal. He has been picked for the domestic cup games so it stands to reason that he should be allowed another run out in the Europa.
With all that in mind, here is our predicted starting XI for tonight’s 8pm kick-off:
Featured image Eddie Keogh via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
2025-01-23 07:00:08
