Manchester United wildcard might have earned place in Europa League final starting line up

Ruben Amorim made six changes to his Manchester United line up against West Ham, though it was still a stronger side than most had expected. Altay Bayindir was awarded just his fourth ever Premier League appearance in goal, while Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount were both promoted to starts after their impressive cameos from the bench in midweek.

There was no place in the line up for youngsters Tyler Fredricson and Chido Obi, though Harry Amass returned at left wing-back after he featured against Brentford a week ago. The 18-year-old has struggled in West London but redeemed himself was a positive impact from the bench against Athletic Club and was worth a go from the off.

It was another show of faith from Amorim in the teenager to start him against West Ham, though it was another reminder of how much work he needs to do before he is ready for this level. Amass struggled throughout the defeat in what was another harsh reality check over his current level of ability. The teenage defender rejected a loan exit in the January window, he might not be able to reject one this summer.

Mounting a charge

Manchester United not only used the West Ham match as an opportunity to manage fitness levels, but they also used it as an opportunity to experiment with their possible line up for the Europa League final. There are already a few decisions set in stone, with Andre Onana and Harry Maguire both certain to start against Tottenham Hotspur, while Casemiro is also likely to partner Manuel Ugarte in central midfield.

When everyone is fit, the only real position up for grabs is the final attacking midfield position alongside Bruno Fernandes. Alejandro Garnacho has played in all but one match this season, though Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo have both impressed in the role as well. The Argentine is highly trusted by Ruben Amorim, but he has lacked end product all season and might be better-suited off the bench against Tottenham.

On recent form, Mount is the wildcard selection who has to be strongly considered for a starting berth. He followed up his Athletic Club brace with another good performance against West Ham, in which he not only worked the ball well but also covered a lot of ground. When you add to the mix his track record for big game performances at Chelsea, he might be the perfect choice.

Easier said than done

The West Ham defeat was caveat by the fact it will quickly be forgotten if Manchester United defeat Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final and secure Champions League qualification. Not only is that easier said than done, but it is not the magic wand solution it has been portrayed as.

Even if United do qualify for the Champions League, they are 16th in the Premier League and have shown few signs of encouragement under Ruben Amorim to suggest next season can be one of success. United could be boosted by roughly an additional £100m if they earn European qualification, though that might not be enough to transform the squad sufficiently for them to be competitive in both the Premier League and continental competition.

In all honesty, it does not make much of a difference whether United finish 12th or 17th this season, though it is a damning reflection of where the club is at right now and just how much work has to be done.

A huge injury scare

There was always going to be an element of risk attached to any Manchester United team selection, but even with the help of hindsight, the decision to start Leny Yoro felt like an unnecessary one. The teenage defender was excellent in the midweek win over Athletic Club, and it was a sorry sight to see him limp off with an injury early in the second half.

United now have an agonising wait to see whether Yoro will be fit enough for the Europa League final, though they could have avoided such a scare had Victor Lindelof or Tyler Fredricson been selected from the start instead, given neither of them should be in the strongest starting line up.

Noussair Mazraoui and Harry Maguire both seem certain to start against Tottenham Hotspur later this month, though the final centre-back role is worryingly up for grabs again. Matthijs de Ligt watched the West Ham defeat from the comfort of the directors' box. They desperately need him back on the pitch now.

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