The Europa League final is finally here, and Manchester United could become Europa League champions on Wednesday.
Bilbao is set to become the epicentre of football for the next 24 hours, and by the time Thursday morning arrives, there will be a new Europa League winner.
Both teams are in awful form, yet are one win from securing Champions League football.
Manchester United have been the best team in the tournament, scoring the most goals and having the highest average rating, which should see Ruben Amorim’s side enter as favourites.
United announced a 26-man squad for the trip to Bilbao, which included three major returns, handing Amorim a strong group that sees just Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt miss out.
But how will Amorim’s starting line-up for United look?
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
How Manchester United could line-up in the Europa League final
Wednesday night cannot come soon enough for Manchester United, with the entire season leading up to this Europa League final.
United will have the advantage in squad strength over Spurs. However, Ange Postecoglou is unbeaten against United since becoming Tottenham boss.
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So with kick-off on the horizon, how will United’s starting group line up on Wednesday?
This season has been poor for Onana, and he may yet depart this summer, however, he is more than capable of pulling out an impeccable performance and playing a big role in United lifting the trophy.
On the right of the back three, Mazraoui would be our choice to start considering how impressive he has been. The Moroccan offers more mobility than Victor Lindelof and therefore could offer more to combat Dominic Solanke.
In the middle of the back three, Maguire will likely be one of Amorim’s first names on the team sheet. The former club captain missed the 2021 final, so it will be even sweeter for him to start this one.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
On the left of the three, we fully expect Amorim to bring Yoro right back into the team as he was deemed ‘fully fit’ during training on Tuesday. He may not be 100 per cent ready, but it is a final and Amorim needs to put his best foot forward, Yoro will certainly want to play.
Also making an immediate return for United we expect to see Dalot starting in the right wing-back position. Dalot worked really hard to get fit in time for the final and his reward should be a place in the starting line-up.
In the centre of the midfield, Casemiro has been tipped to be pivotal by Gary Neville and we are sure he will be one of the first names on the team-sheet for Amorim.
Partnering Casemiro in the middle we expect Fernandes to start. Fernandes played a big role in organising the surfer banner and he will be leading the team out to see it.
On the left starting wing-back we would predict Dorgu to start as he has quickly become irreplaceable for Amorim. Patrice Evra has suggested Dorgu needs time, but if he can step up here, he could set himself up to be sensational next season.
In the number 10 positions, Amad is an absolute must with his gamechanging ability needed in a final. Amad changed the game when United faced Spurs in the League Cup back in December and he could be equally as impactful here.
On the left, Mount would be our choice to start ahead of Alejandro Garnacho, who could give United gamechanging ability off the bench. Mount was sensational against Athletic Club and could end up being key here.
In the striker position, Amorim finally has options with Joshua Zirkzee returning from injury. However, we would expect it to be Hojlund who at least starts this one up front, before being replaced if needed.
Manchester United predicted XI for Europa League Final made using GRV Media line-up tool.
Manchester United predicted XI for Europa League Final made using GRV Media line-up tool.