Ruben Amorim must go bold in the Europa League final for Manchester United to crush Tottenham Hotspur | OneFootball

The Europa League final on Wednesday has taken on enormous significance, both for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim, and anything but a win in Bilbao could see the club get embroiled in mediocrity in its aftermath.

INEOS are not in a strong position financially and can only recruit a certain number of players in the summer with the money at hand. While Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha seems ready to come to Old Trafford without their being Champions League football on offer, most of the top targets are expected to stay away.

That effectively means the co-owners could be forced to sign their second or third-choice targets, something Amorim can do without at this stage of his tenure. He needs quality so that he can start the new season on the front foot and avoid losing his job, which could mean yet another season of transition and the Red Devils falling even further behind the top clubs.

Fans will also shudder at the prospect of INEOS selling fan favourites like Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and even skipper Bruno Fernandes to raise revenue, thereby further weakening an already wounded giant. And all this can be avoided if the team can emerge victorious against Tottenham Hotspur at the San Mames.

Amorim must be ruthless

And while the 20-time English league champions might not have the best record against Spurs this season, a European final is a different ball-game altogether and Amorim can silence his critics and send a strong message across Europe with a defiant response by securing the Europa League trophy.

Given the injury and form concerns, it will not be an easy task. In this special series, The Peoples Person writers are picking their preferred XI for the season-defining clash. Already Alex Browne, Red Billy, Derick Kinoti and Daniel Onguko have shared their opinions on the team Amorim should pick.

Now, it is my turn and I feel the former Sporting CP boss should go bold in the final and in the process, send a message to this underperforming bunch of players that wearing the United shirt is a responsibility that does not come as easily as some have taken it over the course of the current season.

Goalkeeper

Altay Bayindir Considering the mistakes Andre Onana has committed, both in the Premier League and in Europe, he should not be anywhere near the starting lineup. The Cameroonian committed two huge errors in the most recent Chelsea loss but his post-match comments seemed to suggest he was confident that he would start no matter what. Amorim must jolt him back to reality with this selection.

The Turk has been far from great, but in the FA Cup, he single-handedly took the Red Devils past Arsenal and the possibility of a penalty shootout cannot be ignored and Bayindir seems a better bet to handle spotkicks.

Defence

Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro The Moroccan is a better fit as the centre-back instead of wingback. He is calm and composed and has the ability to both carry the ball forward as well as provide line-breaking passes, something Amorim will want from his back three.

It is no secret that Maguire has played his best football after Amorim introduced the back-three formation. The Englishman can use his aerial strengths to good effect while also providing cross-field balls to both wings. His lack of pace can also be effectively masked, and not to mention his innate ability to come up with the goods in the opposition’s box.

Hopefully Yoro will be passed fit for the final. He is simply the best defender the club has at the moment, both in terms of raw defending as well as his ball-progression skills. The Frenchman has pace to burn and his ability with the ball could prove key in unlocking a stubborn defence, as he showed in the second-leg against Athletic Club at Old Trafford.

Wingbacks

Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu

Once again, I’m hoping Dalot will start. His fitness record is impeccable and I have a feeling Amorim is keeping him fresh for the final. He has been at the club for the longest time and will give it his all, both attacking-wise and defensively. His late runs into the box could be key on Wednesday.

Dorgu has had a mixed spell so far but he is the best out-and-out left wingback we have currently. His raw pace and engine will be huge assets and hopefully, he can improve his decision-making in the final.

Midfield

Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro

Casemiro in a European final is a no-brainer. He lives for these moments and his know-how could prove invaluable. The Brazilian has been the epitome of resurgence this season and hopefully, he can add another trophy to his United stint in Spain, a country he has dominated for a long time.

The skipper is the best post-Sir Alex Ferguson era signing by far and is simply the best player the club has. While he is most dangerous as one of the attacking midfielders, a partnership of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro often means a lack of effective ball progression from midfield. The Portuguese can change all that with his passing skills and his ability to pop up all across the pitch.

Forwards

Alejandro Garnacho, Mason Mount and Amad

The Argentine’s finishing has let him down under Amorim but he is someone who always gives his all and he is always positive with the ball. Garnacho keeps looking to take his man on and his pace and directness will be hard for Spurs to defend. He has also been well rested, which means he can carry on running for 90-plus minutes.

Amad has looked a class apart since his return from injury and the Ivorian will be hoping to produce more magic on the right in the final. He can beat people with ease and tracks back when needed, both of which will be required.

The most controversial choice will be who starts up front and Rasmus Hojlund does not deserve to start the final after the season he has had. Not only has he failed to find the back of the net, his lack of work-rate has been alarming while his confidence looks shattered.

Mount has played as a false nine in the past for Chelsea with immense success and his versatility could prove key on Wednesday. He can drop deep if needed, interchange with either of the attacking midfielders and is a danger in the box as shown from his smartly-taken goal against Athletic Club. His work-rate cannot be faulted and Hojlund can come on as a substitute if needed.

Here’s my XI that will smash Spurs in the final, all Amorim has to do is be a bit bold in his selection.

Feature image Michael Steele via Getty Images

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