Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal ensures the Red Devils have already qualified for the Champions League knockout stages.
It is an impressive achievement to do with a game to spare – especially considering United lost the first match.
A dramatic 3-3 draw between Atalanta and Young Boys means that United are also guaranteed top spot.
This is ideal for United, heading into the final group stage fixture at home to Young Boys.
The fixture will be played on December 8 at Old Trafford, in between games against Crystal Palace and Norwich City.
The group is finely poised below United. Young Boys now cannot qualify themselves, they do have something to play for as they can reach the Europa League and finish in third place if they win, and Atalanta lose to Villarreal.
So while there won’t be wholesale changes for United, it is an ideal match to make one or two overdue team selection tweaks and bring in players who otherwise might not get an opportunity.
A match to unleash Amad
Young winger Amad was on Manchester United’s bench against Villarreal, making a Champions League matchday squad for the first time this season. He traveled to Atalanta but did not make the bench.
Amad is a fantastic young talent who impressed for the under-23s last week and also shone in training footage released by the club.
This match against Young Boys will provide the perfect opportunity for United to start the talented winger in the line-up and let him show what he is capable of.
Who else could feature?
Also in contention should be Anthony Elanga, who has recently been overtaken in the pecking order by Amad.
Elanga was back playing in the UEFA Youth League yesterday and provided an assist in a 2-1 win over Villarreal.
If starting Amad and Elanga together is too much, then United should at least start Amad, and bring Elanga off the bench.
It is possible Teden Mengi and Shola Shoretire could make the bench. Hannibal won’t be available as he is now set to join up with Tunisia for the Arab Cup.
The match should see Raphael Varane’s re-introduction after injury if he is on schedule.
Fitness depending, Edinson Cavani could lead the attack with Cristiano Ronaldo rested – although the latter may want to try and score in a sixth successive Champions League game.
The match may also allow fringe players a chance, like Dean Henderson, Diogo Dalot, and Jesse Lingard.
All three have a point to prove and will benefit from the much-needed rotation.
The game could also put all three in the shop (or loan) window ahead of January.
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