Manchester United is set to continue their season with a match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in just under two weeks.
The team ended the recent break on a high note, achieving back-to-back victories for the first time since late January, with a decisive 4-1 win over Real Sociedad in the Europa League, followed by a 3-0 triumph against Leicester City in the Premier League.
As the season resumes, United’s primary focus will be the Europa League, as they aim to reach the final in Bilbao on May 21. This competition represents their last chance to secure a trophy this season and achieve qualification for the Champions League for 2025/26.
Head coach Ruben Amorim is optimistic about welcoming several players back from injury before the season concludes, including Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, and Kobbie Mainoo. Currently, Lisandro Martinez is the only player confirmed to miss the rest of the season due to injury.
Amad may return before the season ends, but it seems unlikely he will have sufficient time to find his rhythm and make a significant impact before the season wraps up.
With this in mind, our writers have shared their thoughts on what they believe could be United’s strongest XI as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Tyrone’s team Tyrone Marshall
As players return from injury, Amorim’s options should improve significantly in the coming weeks. Even without Martinez and Amad, the squad’s depth is starting to look stronger if he can keep the rest of the team fit.
Onana is the clear choice in goal, but the center-back positions are open for debate. We’re still awaiting updates on Heaven’s injury, but I believe he should be on the bench regardless. De Ligt has been solid lately, and Maguire has excelled as part of the middle of the back three. Yoro will complete that trio.
Dorgu has impressed on the left, adding dynamism and an attacking option to the squad, allowing Dalot to return to the right side where he can perform better.
I would keep Fernandes in a deeper role, as his partnership with Ugarte seems to have a good balance, which will only improve as the season progresses. Casemiro can play in the Europa League as a European specialist.
With Zirkzee and Mainoo both vying for the No.10 roles, there’s healthy competition, but I would still opt for Garnacho for his unique attacking threat. This might be controversial, but I think Mount could also thrive in those roles, and I’d love to see him get more game time. Hojlund will lead the attack.
Steven’s team Steven Railston
Manchester United faced an unprecedented injury crisis last season and have encountered more bad luck with injuries this year, but there’s reason for optimism as we head into the final stretch of the season.
Two consecutive wins have provided a much-needed boost, and there are promising signs that Amorim’s tactical approach is starting to take shape.
Against Leicester, Amorim fielded a lineup that closely resembled his strongest team. For this article, I would suggest just four changes, bringing in Maguire, Yoro, Dorgu, and Mainoo for Heaven, Lindelof, Mazraoui, and Zirkzee respectively.
Maguire and Yoro are straightforward choices, while Dorgu is the only natural left wing-back, making him a must-have in this strongest XI for the remainder of the season.
The right-sided No.10 position is more contentious. Zirkzee has shown his quality recently, but Mount has the skills to excel in that role as well. Mainoo, however, is too talented to be left on the bench, having been exceptional in that position during his appearances in January.
George’s team George Smith
With several key players nearing their return, Amorim might face a selection dilemma, but that’s a positive situation to be in. Onana should remain the first-choice goalkeeper as he looks to solidify his position ahead of next season.
As Maguire and Yoro edge closer to full fitness, they will both be eager to secure spots in Amorim’s preferred XI. Yoro has shown promise as a right-sided center-back, making him a long-term asset for the team.
De Ligt has been performing consistently well since joining last summer, making him a strong candidate for the central role in the back three. If Heaven’s injury isn’t too severe, he should take the left-sided center-back position during Martinez’s absence, providing much-needed balance.
Despite his inconsistent form this season, Dalot remains the best option to start at right wing-back, while Dorgu has quickly established himself as an asset on the left flank.
Ugarte and Fernandes have developed a solid partnership in midfield, with Fernandes excelling in his new No.8 role. This shift should allow Mainoo to be reintroduced as one of the two No.10s.
The other No.10 position will be a competitive battle among Zirkzee, Mount, and Garnacho, each vying for the opportunity. Zirkzee’s recent performances suggest he should retain his place in the lineup.
Hojlund has ended his goal drought against Leicester and will be eager to prove his worth as United aims to find a new No.9 this summer.