After a stunning win against Lyon in the Europa League quarterfinal, Manchester United have to keep their star, senior players fit for the semifinals. United lack depth in their squad, as injuries have been mounting all season. With that in mind, Ruben Amorim is likely to play without some of his starters against Wolverhampton in the Premier League.
Who could feature for Manchester United?
Throughout his tenure, Amorim has given his younger players their chance to shine in the Premier League and other competitions. Now, as the pressure is on United to make it to the Europa League final, Amorim will once again have to call on the youth to rise to the occasion in the Premier League.
Several young players have already made their senior debuts this season and have impressed on these outings. Ayden Heaven, who signed from Arsenal, has shown that the big stage hasn't phased him. The 18-year-old defender has played in two league games and featured in the FA Cup and Europa League. Heaven is making his way back from an injury setback but could in line to make another appearance against Wolves.
Left-back Harry Amass made his European debut on Thursday during extra time against Lyon. Amass has also played in the Premier League twice this season. Amorim might make the decision to start Amass over Patrick Dorgu or Diogo Dalot, depending on whether Noussair Mazraoui is available to play after he left the Europa League tie early.
Striker Chido Obi-Martin has been sensational for Manchester United's youth teams. He has also played in the league three times and once in the FA Cup, but he not eligible to play in the Europa League. With Joshua Zirkzee out for the season, Rasmus Hojlund started the quarterfinal before being subbed out. Obi could be in line for his first Premier League start against Wolves.
It is likely that Amorim will use a mix of both veteran players and the youngsters. He has named more younger players on the bench as well, but they have yet to feature this season. Jaydan Kamason, Godwill Kukonki, and Jack Moorhouse were all named on the bench in the quarterfinals and could find themselves there again on Sunday. Captain Bruno Fernandes might be given a rest, although he'll want to play as much as he can.
Manchester United's upcoming schedule
Manchester United play Wolverhampton on Sunday at Old Trafford, which will be a difficult match. Potential summer transfer target Matheus Cunha is set to play and he'll be keen to make an impression in Manchester. Amorim offered praise for the striker in his press conference, and the manager will need to make sure his players can keep Cunha off the ball as much as possible.
On the 27th of April, Manchester United will visit Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth, who are in good form. The likes of Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo are always dangerous, as is striker Evanilson. This match comes the weekend before Manchester United's first leg against Athletic Club in the semifinal.
The Red Devils will be looking to have a couple of big results in the Premier League before their test against Athletic Club to give them good momentum going into the first leg.