To Jose Mourinho’s immense relief, Manchester United finally saw a win on the final day of the season. And all his lamentations that were building up in the closing few weeks of the Premier League owing to the hectic schedule of the domestic league, will finally come to a closure this Wednesday as Manchester United face AFC Ajax in the Europa League final.
The Red Devils have finished out of the top four this season yet again and any slip-up in the finale would bring a disastrous end to Mourinho’s first season at Old Trafford. It has already been an underwhelming one with English League Cup and Community Shield at the start of the season being the only two silverwares (if Community Shield counts as one), they have managed after spending millions last summer.
Manchester United are unbeaten in their last ten European games so far, but they weren’t against any strong opponents whatsoever this season. The last four matches between them have a split result with both winning two games each.
We expect a strong squad from the Portuguese manager this time after he decided to give a debut to five young players last Sunday against Crystal Palace. A lot of changes are expected to take place.
Possible Manchester United XI vs Ajax
Defence
Sergio Romero is expected to take his position under the bar. The Argentine international has been a regular for United in their European campaign playing 11 games so far, this season. And conceding only four goals has put him in Mourinho’s good books leading the manager to decide to stick with him on the big stage.
The defensive flanks will change from United’s last game. Matteo Darmian will replace Demetri Mitchell in the left back’s role and Valencia will take Timothy Fosu-Mensah’s place on the right defensive flank.
The centre-halves will be Phil Jones and Daley Blind. Eric Bailly remains suspended for the game and will be a huge miss for Mourinho. Blind will surely have an extra motivation playing against his childhood club.
Midfield
The three-man midfield of United is likely to feature Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera. Pogba had a perfect warm-up match against Crystal Palace where he scored their second goal and set up one for young Josh Harrop.
We expect Mourinho to use Carrick’s experience over Fellaini’s inconsistency. This being Carrick’s last season with the club, it would also be the perfect farewell.
Attack
The attacking trio will be Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. With a good knowledge of Ajax’s inexperienced squad, the trio will fancy their chances for sure.
Martial – Rashford – Mkhitaryan
Herrera – Carrick – Pogba
Darmian – Blind – Jones – Valencia
Romero
