Manchester United take on Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night in the Europa League, with a win potentially enough to put Ruben Amorim on the cusp of the top eight.
After an atrocious European record under Erik ten Hag, this season’s Europa League campaign began with three draws which saw Manchester United in the bottom half of the 36-team table.
However, Ruud van Nistelrooy ended the curse by beating PAOK on match day four which has left the Red Devils in 15th place in the league.
With this in mind, Ruben Amorim will now be looking to get off to a winning start both in Europe and at Old Trafford against Norweigan side Bodo/Glimt.
- UEFA Europa League
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Man UtdManchester United
Bodo/GlimtBodo/Glimt
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Prior to the game, Amorim has hinted at some rotation within his squad, something that was seen rarely under Ten Hag’s management. So with that in mind, we have undergone the tricky task of predicting how the head coach will line his team up.
How Manchester United could line-up against Bodo/Glimt
After drawing to Ipswich, Amorim told the press on MUTV that he simply wanted to win the game and give the fans a reason to be excited.
In a bid to achieve this, Amorim could see the return of a handful of players. However, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire remain out of contention.
So here is our predicted line-up.
Andre Onana
In goal, Altay Bayindir will have been hopeful that Amorim would rotate the goalkeepers, however judging by the fact he did not do this at Sporting in a European competition, we reckon Andre Onana is the starting goalkeeper again here.
Noussair Mazraoui
In the right centre-back role, Noussair Mazraoui could and probably should continue. Mazraoui was very impressive against Ipswich and so should start here, with no Yoro or Maguire.
Matthijs de Ligt
In the central centre-back role for United, Matthijs de Ligt was solid against Ipswich and should get the chance to start again here. De Ligt’s ball retention will have delighted Amorim and should make him one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Lisandro Martinez
On the left of the back three will hopefully be the returning Lisandro Martinez as Amorim told the press on Wednesday that the Argentine will be available and ready to play against Bodo/Glimt.
- READ MORE: Who is Lisandro Martinez? Step inside the life of Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine
Antony
On the right side as a wing-back, we are predicting that Antony will get a run out due to rotation, but also due to the fact Amorim played Antony here in training last week.
Manuel Ugarte
In midfield, the pairing of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen simply must be scrapped and luckily, Amorim has Manuel Ugarte to bring into the line-up.
Kobbie Mainoo
Partnering Ugarte is another returning face as we assume this is the game Kobbie Mainoo who has been out injured for over a month. Mainoo and Ugarte together will likely be Amorim’s preferred midfield so it’ll be very exciting to see them play together.
Tyrell Malacia
At left wing-back, it will probably be a toss-up between Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. However with Shaw used as a central defender thus far under Amorim, we predict Malacia will make his comeback appearance against Bodo/Glimt.
Amad Diallo
After impressing as a wing-back against Ipswich, we predict that Amad Diallo will find himself being played closer to goal in this game. Amad is arguably the most creative and technical winger United have so he is the best fit for the No.10 position.
Bruno Fernandes
Alongside Amad behind the striker we expect will be United captain, Bruno Fernandes. Speaking to the press, Bruno admitted that he will have to adapt under Amorim. However, it would be no surprise if Mason Mount was given a start.
Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund is likely to start as the striker in this one, with Marcus Rashford not impressing Amorim up top. Hojlund will be looking to prove a point after being on the bench vs Ipswich.
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