A-MAD BONUS
It feels so normal now: Amad is fit for the Europa League final. But a few weeks ago, when our final place was still yet to be secured, we were unclear how soon he could return, or whether he would at all this season.
The first sight of him returning to training provided hope, then followed an exciting cameo in that glorious away victory at Athletic Club. That felt like the real icing on the cake.
Now, we head into a final with one of our most unique players available, and with proper minutes under his belt. He threatened when on the ball at Chelsea, most notably with a 79th-minute shimmy and shot inside the area, which forced a corner. The way Amad takes players on, the way he moves his feet, and the way he uses his body is different to all other players in our squad. It’ll be so valuable in Bilbao.
THE INJURY LIST
Amorim’s approach to this last game pre-final contrasted that of Tottenham Hotspur’s Ange Postecoglou completely. The Spurs boss rested the vast majority of his team.
Whose was the right method? Who wins the in Bilbao will be the easiest way of telling. But Spurs suffered another injury scare with Pape Matar Sarr brought off and heading straight down the tunnel. United fans had reason to stress when Bruno, Amad and Maguire all went down briefly in this game, but the Reds got through without any obvious injuries. It seems Ruben’s risk hopefully paid off. This is a club built on taking risks, after all.
Despite another painful defeat, let's hope the test of this game sets the squad up suitably for San Mames.