Manchester United is set to resume their season with a crucial Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in just under two weeks.
The team finished the last break on a high note, achieving back-to-back victories for the first time since late January, with a 4-1 win against Real Sociedad in the Europa League followed by a 3-0 triumph over Leicester City in the Premier League.
As they return, United’s primary focus will shift to the Europa League, as they aim to secure a spot in the final in Bilbao on May 21. This tournament remains their last chance to win a trophy this season and achieve Champions League qualification for 2025/26.
Head coach Ruben Amorim is hopeful to see several players returning 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 remainder of the season due to injury.
While Amad may come back before the end of the campaign, he might not have enough 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 the season draws to a close.
Tyrone Marshall
Amorim’s options should certainly improve in the coming weeks as players return to fitness. Even without Martinez and Amad, the squad has gained strength, provided everyone else stays fit.
André Onana is the clear choice for goal, but the center-back position is now a topic of debate. We are still awaiting news on Heaven’s injury, but he could be on the bench regardless. Matthijs de Ligt has performed well recently, while Maguire has been strong in the middle of the back three. Yoro will complete that trio.
Victor Dorgu has impressed on the left, showcasing his dynamism and ability to support the attack, which also allows Diogo Dalot to return to the right and gain some consistency on his preferred flank.
I would keep Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role, as his partnership with Manuel Ugarte has a nice balance that should only improve as the season progresses. Casemiro can be utilized as a European specialist in the Europa League.
With Zirkzee and Mainoo both available as No.10s, there’s healthy competition for those spots, but I would still choose Alejandro Garnacho for his unique attacking threat. This might be a contentious choice, but I believe Mount could also thrive in that role, and I’m eager to see him get a run of games. Rasmus Hojlund will lead the attack.
Tyrone’s team Steven Railston
Last season, United faced an unprecedented injury crisis, and unfortunately, luck with injuries has not improved. However, there’s reason to be optimistic after the international break.
The recent back-to-back wins have brought hope for the end of the season, and there are promising signs that Amorim’s system is finally coming together.
Amorim fielded a team very close to his strongest against Leicester on Sunday. For this article, I would suggest four changes: bringing in Maguire, Yoro, Dorgu, and Mainoo in place of Heaven, Lindelof, Mazraoui, and Zirkzee, respectively.
Maguire and Yoro are obvious selections, and Dorgu, being the only natural left wing-back in the squad, should definitely be included in this strongest XI for the rest of the season.
The right-sided No.10 position is more contentious. Zirkzee has shown his quality in recent weeks, and Mount has the potential to excel in that role. However, Mainoo might be the best option, as he has been overlooked during his time on the sidelines.
Mainoo was exceptional in that role against FCSB in the Europa League, where he scored and assisted in January, and he is far too talented to spend most matches on the bench.
Steven’s team George Smith
With several key players expected to return soon, Amorim could face a selection dilemma – but that’s a positive situation to be in. Onana should continue as the first-choice goalkeeper as he aims to secure his position for next season.
With Maguire and Yoro nearing their comebacks, both will be vying for spots in Amorim’s preferred XI. Yoro is a long-term asset and has shown flashes of his potential as a right-sided center-back.
De Ligt has delivered some of his best and most consistent performances since joining the club last summer, making him a must-start in the center of the back three. If Heaven’s injury keeps him out briefly, he deserves to start as the left-sided center-back in Martinez’s absence, providing balance as a left-footer.
Despite the ups and downs of Dalot’s performances this season, he remains United’s best option at right wing-back. Dorgu has quickly shown why he was signed from Lecce to start on the opposite flank.
Ugarte and Fernandes have built a strong partnership in central midfield, and Fernandes has been in excellent form since transitioning to the No.8 position. His presence in that role should allow for Mainoo’s return as one of the two No.10s.
The second No.10 position will be contested by Zirkzee, Mount, and Garnacho, all of whom will feel deserving of the spot. Given his recent performances, Zirkzee should hold onto his position.
Hojlund ended his goal drought against Leicester and is now eager to prove his worth as United looks to target a new No.9 in the summer.
