Ruben Amorim has made some exciting calls with his squad selection for Manchester United’s trip to France this week with the Europa League quarter-final.
This Thursday is the most important match of the season so far for Manchester United, with the away leg of this quarter-final clash likely to set the tone for next week’s game at Old Trafford.
Ahead of the clash against Lyon, Ruben Amorim had the task of selecting his squad for the game and there were some surprising additions on the plane to France.
Amorim named a 23-man United squad to take to France, which is a change from previous away legs under Amorim, with just 18 players heading to Sociedad in March. The squad included four academy players and returning stars such as Kobbie Mainoo.
Youngsters travelling to Lyon with Manchester United
- Godwill Kukonki
- Harry Amass
- Jack Moorhouse
- Jaydan Kamason
Naming a full bench will help Amorim out and give him more options in the game while also being a valuable experience for the youngsters involved. Against Lyon, one should be handed the chance to shine with his unique qualities potentially impactful for United.
Ruben Amorim must unleash Jack Moorhouse on Lyon
Amorim’s squad is at the strongest point it has been in months, yet the inclusion of youth demonstrates his commitment to the academy. In particular, Jack Moorhouse deserves minutes, and his inclusion gives Amorim a potential secret weapon to unleash upon Lyon.
This week, it has been reported that Moorhouse is expected to make his United debut this season. Amorim has long been impressed by his abilities since his standout performance for the U21s in December.
Having been around the first team for months, Amorim must trust him, and against Lyon could be the ultimate opportunity to make Moorhouse United’s 254th academy graduate. Moorhouse not only deserves his chance, but he also could play a big part for United.
Moorhouse was sharp in training on Wednesday, which happened before he was named in the squad. Now, he will have his eyes on becoming undeniable for Amorim, having been banging on the door for months.
Amorim could almost have a secret weapon in Moorhouse, considering none of the opposition will know how to handle him with little knowledge of his strengths and weaknesses.
Moorhouse could become an instant star for Manchester United with game-changing quality
Moorhouse could prove deadly for United if tasked with picking the ball up deep and just running with it through the French side, with midfielders like Nemanja Matic unlikely to catch him.
Any doubt over what Moorhouse could bring to United’s midfield can be answered in one clip from his performance for the U21 side on Monday.
This moment from the 3-3 draw sees Moorhouse take the ball and drive through most of the opponent’s side, looking absolutely unstoppable. Journalist Nathan Salt added that Moorhouse’s ball carrying ability is not lost on Amorim’s staff.
If Moorhouse can do this in senior football, he easily has a future at United and in the top level of the sport and as a future Ireland international.
He is one of the academy’s most exciting players, with his return from injury being so impressive. Now, he just needs his opportunity, and it looks like it might be imminent.
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