Ruben Amorim has received some positive team news ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League final.
Manchester United’s entire season boils down to Wednesday evening’s Europa League final in Bilbao.
There is huge pressure on Ruben Amorim to win the Europa League, but to achieve that he will have to beat Premier League rivals Tottenham.
Amorim has important selection decisions to make in what will be his first European final as a manager. The Portuguese head coach has already lost twice to Spurs as United boss.
The good news, though, is that United will take a strong squad with them to Spain with a handful of stars pushing to return.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Joshua Zirkzee one of four Man United stars who could return
After the defeat to Chelsea, Amorim confirmed no new injuries to his United squad ahead of the trip to Bilbao.
Lisandro Martinez is still out injured and will definitely miss the final, but there is some great news from the defensive department.
Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro could return in the final after their short injury absences. Yoro was spotted at Carrington last week doing gym work. The 19-year-old has proven to be a key player this season and could challenge for a starting spot.
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Diogo Dalot could make the final after recovering from a calf injury. He was also spotted at Carrington carrying out an individual training programme before the Chelsea match.
Finally, Manchester Evening News report that Joshua Zirkzee cannot be ruled out of making a miraculous return in Bilbao.
Zirkzee is targeting a return in the final, with the £36 million summer signing saying: “We’ll see what’s possible, but it’s going to be difficult.”
Joshua Zirkzee could play key role in Europa League final
Zirkzee suffered a thigh injury against Newcastle United over a month ago, so he has missed a lot of football in the lead-up to the final.
Before his setback, Zirkzee’s form was picking up and he was quickly becoming a fan favourite around Old Trafford after being dropped back into a No.10 position.
With Chido Obi ineligible in the Europa League, United have been extremely short of attacking options and Zirkzee’s return even if only as an option off the bench could be very important.
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Rasmus Hojlund was a disaster against Chelsea, and if he puts in a similar performance in the final Amorim will quickly look to his bench for options. That is where Zirkzee could be key.
Zirkzee has scored against both Real Sociedad and Lyon in the Europa League knock-out matches this season – a goal in the final would write his name into United’s history books.