LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

Four big decisions face Manchester United for Europa League final

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United hoped to warm up for the Europa League final with a mesmeric performance at Old Trafford.

Instead the team produced a poor, drab display which left more questions than answers.

United have one more match before the final and do not look in good form at all. There are big team selection issues to be addressed over who starts…

Manchester United v Fulham - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Goalkeeper

Manchester United must choose between Dean Henderson and David de Gea.

De Gea’s selection here may have hinted he will get the nod, and it may make sense, as he played the quarter-finals and semi-final.

He is United’s ‘cup goalkeeper’ now, although Solskjaer has abandoned this for big games before, unsuccessfully.

De Gea’s experience probably gives him the edge over Henderson for such an important fixture. Winning the trophy would be the perfect way to sign off, if he does leave in the summer.

Central midfield

United have stuck with a midfield of Fred and Scott McTominay in big games this season and that is the safe bet against Villarreal.

But it would probably be a popular choice with supporters to drop one of them and move Paul Pogba back.

Pogba struggled on the left wing against Fulham after a bright start, and failed to influence the game.

Moving him back centrally at the expense of Fred or McTominay would open up an attacking spot.

Injuries suffered to both players against Fulham could hasten this decision.

FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-FULHAM
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The wings

If Pogba does start in a forward role, then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must choose between Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford.

Greenwood is more effective on the right, but it will be hard to leave Rashford out.

Leaving Pogba out for Greenwood or Rashford would be a bold move which could cause him to walk away.

United have a tough dilemma here, assuming Edinson Cavani leads the line rather than Greenwood.

Manchester United v Fulham - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

The defence

Harry Maguire will do everything he can to get fit. He was pictured on crutches again at Old Trafford.

So United have to choose between a half-fit Maguire or one of his replacements.

If there is a stand-in, who should it be? Eric Bailly or Axel Tuanzebe, who was a surprise starter against Fulham.

Neither Bailly or Tuanzebe have really convinced and Lindelof has played poorly the last couple of games too. Maguire’s fitness could be crucial.