Ruben Amorim has several big decisions to make when selecting his starting line-up to face Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.
The countdown has begun as thousands of Manchester United fans travel to Bilbao.
Ruben Amorim has a chance to win his first trophy as United head coach. It’s also an opportunity for the 40-year-old to win his first European Cup since becoming a manager.
In the opposing dugout, Ange Postecoglou faces an uncertain future following an underwhelming second season in charge of Tottenham. It remains to be seen if ending Tottenham’s trophy drought will be enough to keep his job.
Both teams have been dealt injury blows in the lead-up to the final. United could be without Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, while Diogo Dalot is thought to be making progress on his recovery to be ready in time. Tottenham duo James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have been ruled out of the game.
A place in the Champions League final is up for grabs in Bilbao.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim could take inspiration from Erik ten Hag
After a turbulent season, one of the biggest talking points ahead of the Europa League is whether Amorim will make any tactical changes to his side.
Yoro and De Ligt could make a return for the final and Mason Mount’s recent form suggests he may be in contention to start.
More United News
With few United players deserving of a spot based on performance this season, there are not many who have struggled as much as Rasmus Hojlund, which is why Amorim may take inspiration from his predecessor for the final.
Erik ten Hag snubbed Hojlund from the starting line-up in United’s 2-1 win over Man City in the FA Cup final last year.
Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay led the line for the Red Devils, with Hojlund coming on as a substitute in the second half.
It was a brave decision that not only worked in United’s favour against City, but it saw Ten Hag drop a player he signed for £64 million.
Although Amorim has publicly backed Hojlund on multiple occasions since he arrived at Old Trafford as coach earlier this season, the Danish striker could experience another snub due to his poor form.
Hojlund has scored just four goals in 31 Premier League outings, whereas he has scored six goals in 10 Europa League matches. The biggest difference with this Europa League tie is that it is against English opposition, and Hojlund has never been on the winning side after four encounters with Tottenham.
There are other problems away from the lack of goals when it comes to Hojlund. The Denmark international can’t hold up play or avoid getting lost in battles with defenders, which he’d likely do with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
While Ten Hag opted to play Fernandes further forward in the FA Cup final, Amorim is more likely to consider Kobbie Mainoo in the false nine role.
Rasmus Hojlund record against Tottenham
Hojlund is hoping to make his fifth appearance against Tottenham in the 2025 Europa League final.
Having been made to wait for his first win over Tottenham, Hojlund could make a difference if he adds to his tally of two goal contributions against the London outfit.
Games Goals Assists
4 1 1
Rasmus Hojlund record vs Tottenham
Hojlund wants to make history at United and there wouldn’t be a better way to do that than by scoring in the Europa League final.
A big goal on Wednesday night could silence a few of Hojlund’s doubters. It could be what he needs ahead of the summer transfer window.