Ruben Amorim hands shock debut to Man Utd academy star against Wolves | OneFootball

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has opted to hand 20-year-old centre-back Tyler Fredricson his first senior appearance in Sunday's Premier League meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Amorim confessed after United's dramatic comeback victory over Lyon in midweek that he was prepared to prioritise winning the Europa League over attempting to save their Premier League season, revealing young players could play significant minutes while his stars stay fresh for the European run.

Immediately coming good on his word, Amorim has called on 20-year-old Fredricson to start in the heart of defence alongside the returning Victor Lindelof, who will wear the captain's armband.

Fredricson first appeared in a senior United squad all the back in 2022 under Erik ten Hag and has since been named on the bench a further three times under Amorim.

"It's not the best moment or the best season to put some kids to play because they need a strong base to really show what they can do, but in this moment we need to do it," Amorim admitted ahead of the game.

"It's a difficult moment, it's not the right moment for the kids to play, but if we have to do it we will do it."

Amorim's decision to prioritise the Europa League is made clear by the absence of talisman midfielder Bruno Fernandes from the starting lineup. The Portugal star sits on the bench alongside international teammate Diogo Dalot.

United head into the game 14th in the Premier League standings and could actually be caught on points by 17th-placed Wolves, whose inferior goal difference means they will remain below the Red Devils unless they roar to an emphatic victory on Sunday.

Man Utd starting lineup to face Wolves: Onana; Mazraoui, Lindelof (c), Fredricson; Dorgu, Eriksen, Ugarte, Amass; Garnacho, Mainoo; Hojlund.