The 2024-25 season is over for Manchester United, yet there are still two outings to complete with a post-season trip to Asia.
After a far from good season, the last thing Ruben Amorim would have wanted would be to prolong things with a trip halfway around the globe.
However, there are positives from the post-season tour, which was initially seen as being Ineos’ biggest error since taking over Manchester United, seen as a cash-grab at the risk of players’ health after a long season.
But now, United are in financial peril, and the approximate £8m payday from this tour will help account for the money lost directly by losing the Europa League final.
There are also on-field positives for United. The tour will hand Amorim the chance to evaluate his squad, youngsters, and players whom he wants to sell, before a summer of intensive planning for the Portuguese coach.
Amorim promised fans that the good days are coming to United, following last weekend’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, and the summer transfer window will play a big role in making this possible.
So ahead of the opening game of the trip against ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur, it is worth noting that Amorim could name a seriously exciting team.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim can name an exciting Manchester United squad for ASEAN All-Stars clash
The clash against ASEAN All-Stars will be in the Challenge Cup with silverware on the line for Amorim. However, given the Premier League campaign ended just days ago, we would assume that there will be heavy rotation in the game with nine United youngsters in the squad.
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So with this in mind, here is an exciting line-up that Amorim could name from the start over in Malaysia. The XI is not what we think will happen, but the team that we would like to see and could be exciting to watch, with plenty of youth involvement.
Amorim deciding to completely drop Andre Onana for the last day of the season said it all, a new goalkeeper is what he wants. On the other hand, Bayindir told fans he would see them next season, and looks well placed to start here.
On the right of the back three, it should be Fredricson who starts, not taking any risks with senior players like Harry Maguire to ensure they get a good rest. Fredricson has been lauded for his fantastic qualities, and he can stake his claim for next season here.
Amorim is convinced of Kukonki’s potential, and it seems likely that this will be the first time we get to see him in senior action in the middle of the back three.
After the win against Villa, Amorim praised Heaven for his quality, and more minutes here would be a wise idea. Amorim can use this as a chance to further gauge whether he is ready for next season.
Right wing-back is a position for which Amorim might not get additions this summer, considering the priority list, and so may need to find options in the academy. Kamason could be Amorim’s own Geovany Quenda, and we fully expect him to start this one.
While Manuel Ugarte will be in the running, we would like to see Kone handed his first senior minutes for United in this one. It will be a good way for Amorim to see how the Malian midfielder fares before deciding on a plan for next season. Alternatively, Tyler Fletcher would be an exciting option.
One first team player we think will start is Mainoo, having played limited minutes lately, it shouldn’t be too much of a burden, and he can wear the captain’s armband at least for the opening 45 minutes.
On the left, Amass will hope next season is even better for him at United, and that push to nail down a first-team place begins here and will continue in pre-season.
Amorim might finally unleash Lacey on this tour, and the starlet could very quickly grab his opportunity with both hands and secure a place in the pre-season tour, which will be in July. He is a superb talent and a joy to watch, now we might get to see him where he belongs, in the first team squad.
Lacey’s injury-plagued season means Amorim won’t have seen much, but based on what he has played, it is hard not to think he’s ready to wow the head coach.
Partnering Lacey could easily be Jim Thwaites or a senior player, but after the time he spent on the bench this season, Moorhouse is the natural choice to give the opportunity to. Moorhouse has been around the first team for months, clearly one Amorim is keen on.
Obi became the youngest United player to start in the Premier League, and a big summer awaits him with the striker shake-up expected at Old Trafford. He can show Amorim that he’s ready to play a big role with a strong post-season and pre-season.
Manchester United XI vs ASEAN All-Stars
Manchester United XI vs ASEAN All-Stars / made using GRV Media line-up tool.