Manchester United’s season could be defined on Thursday in the Europa League round of 16 second-leg.
After a 1-1 draw in San Sebastian last Thursday, Ruben Amorim will know defeat at Old Trafford will see his side left with nothing to play for this season.
Real Sociedad will travel to face Manchester United, in a game which huge stakes for the home side. Sitting 14th in the league and out of the two domestic cup competitions, this is the final chance for something positive to come from this season.
Last week United drew 1-1 against Sociedad, which was an unfortunate scoreline with United deserving more from the game. Amorim was left short of options in the game with just seven players on his bench, including two goalkeepers.
Amorim has often not filled his bench for United, which betrays his reputation of giving youth a chance and he must not repeat this error against Sociedad this week.
Photo by Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim must name a full bench against Real Sociedad
When Amorim was first appointed, one of several reasons for excitement was his commitment to utilising the academy.
At Sporting Lisbon Amorim gave out 27 academy debuts, which we fully expect to see at United as well, which makes the decision not to involve youngsters on the bench when it isn’t full, baffling.
Manchester United bench vs Real Sociedad Position
Victor Lindelof Centre-back
Christian Eriksen Midfielder
Toby Collyer Midfielder
Ayden Heaven Centre-back
Harry Amass Left wing-back
Dermot William Mee Goalkeeper
Elyh Harrison Goalkeeper
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The bench was five names less than the opposition and had zero options for Amorim to turn to in attack. Therefore after the substitution of a sulking Alejandro Garnacho, United were utterly toothless.
What made the decision more frustrating was that Amorim had involved a handful of possible options in training the day before.
This week, Amorim must avoid repeating history by filling his bench and using the youngsters who are clearly rated.
Ruben Amorim would be in a much stronger position by filling Manchester United bench
With United academy graduate 253 seeming imminent, there would be no time better than against Sociedad. Last week, United physically struggled due to a lack of rotation over the past month, and so Amorim must give himself options.
Assuming the bench from last week remains in place, along with the returning Manuel Ugarte, United could include a handful of talented youngsters in the squad.
Jack Fletcher
Jack Moorhouse
James Scanlon
Tyler Fredricson
Even if Amorim has zero intention of playing them, it does no harm to have the kids on the bench and it also puts Amorim in a stronger position.
Without giving himself the option to play youngsters, Amorim will be limited which could backfire should the game go all the way to extra-time.
It is time he showed some trust, and we would expect that we will see them in the squad and potentially some debuts awarded, depending on how the night goes.