Manchester United face a daunting trip to London this weekend to take on Tottenham Hotspur, with Ruben Amorim’s side severely depleted by a spate of fresh injuries. The Red Devils are navigating a turbulent week that has seen their squad stretched to its limits, forcing the manager to dig deep into the club’s academy ranks.
Injury Crisis Deepens at Old Trafford
The injury list at Manchester United has grown alarmingly long. Lisandro Martínez, already sidelined for an extended period of six to ten months, has been joined by three more key players. Amad Diallo’s season hangs in the balance after he suffered ankle ligament damage, though no definitive timeline has been set for his recovery. Adding to the woes, Kobbie Mainoo is confirmed to be out for several weeks, while both Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer are also unavailable for the clash against Spurs.
This wave of injuries has left Ruben Amorim with limited options, prompting the inclusion of several academy players in the first-team setup. Jack Moorhouse, Chido Obi, Sekou Kone, and Harry Amass have all been drafted into the squad as per reports from Academy Scoop. The situation provides a unique opportunity for these young talents to showcase their potential on one of English football’s biggest stages.
A Makeshift Starting XI
Given the circumstances, Manchester United’s starting XI against Tottenham will be far from full strength. However, it offers a chance for fringe players and academy graduates to make their mark. Here’s how we predict Amorim will line up his side in a 3-4-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Andre Onana is expected to retain his place between the posts. With Altay Bayindir’s fitness status unclear, Elyh Harrison will likely serve as backup on the bench.
Defence: Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro
The back three will see Matthijs de Ligt operating on the right side of defence. Harry Maguire, whose leadership and aerial prowess make him a natural fit for the central role, will anchor the defence. On the left side of the backline, Leny Yoro is set to feature despite being slightly out of position. While there is an outside chance that Ayden Heaven could make his debut here, Yoro’s experience gives him the edge.
Wing-Backs: Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu
Diogo Dalot should return to his more familiar role as a right wing-back after previous experiments on the left proved unconvincing. On the opposite flank, Patrick Dorgu is likely to start following a solid debut performance where he was substituted at half-time. This time, he’ll play in his natural left-sided position.
Midfield: Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes
Casemiro is expected to feature prominently in midfield despite having only made brief appearances since the turn of the year. Injuries to Collyer and Ugarte leave Amorim with little choice but to rely on Casemiro’s experience and defensive acumen. Bruno Fernandes remains one of United’s few undroppable stars and will be tasked with dictating play from midfield. His creativity and leadership will be vital if United are to secure a positive result.
Forwards: Jack Moorhouse, Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee
In attack, academy prospect Jack Moorhouse could be handed his first senior start in the No.10 role due to Amad Diallo’s absence. Moorhouse has impressed at youth level and now has an opportunity to step up when his team needs him most.
Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as an indispensable figure for United in recent weeks. The young winger’s energy and directness have made him one of Amorim’s most reliable attacking outlets. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee is expected to lead the line after catching the eye with an impressive display against Leicester City. Chido Obi may feature from the bench but Zirkzee’s recent form makes him the likely starter.
A Chance for Redemption Amidst Adversity
While Manchester United head into this game under significant pressure due to their injury crisis, it also presents an invaluable opportunity for younger players and squad members on the fringes to prove their worth. Ruben Amorim faces a difficult task in managing this depleted squad but could unearth new stars in this challenging period.
The match against Tottenham Hotspur serves as a litmus test not only for United’s resilience but also for Amorim’s ability to adapt under pressure. It remains to be seen whether this patched-up XI can rise above adversity and deliver a performance worthy of Manchester United’s storied history.
