“It’s not even a real competition mate, come back to me when you’re in the Champions League”
Every Manchester United fan last season
When Liverpool took on Sevilla last year their excitement was met by derision from many. The Europa League has been regarded as a second-rate competition, with Thursday evening games summing up the horrendous trials the players must go through to play in the cup.
Now that Premier League side Manchester United are there though, and the Champions League is on the line, it has become very fashionable to contest the final with Jose Mourinho throwing all of his eggs in one basket having given up on the league recently.
With so much riding on the game it would be foolish of him to not play his strongest side then:
David de Gea
Sergio Romero has played well but de Gea is the best goalkeeper in the world and so must start. Image Source: Twitter
Matteo Darmian
United have massive injury problems in defence which may provide Darmian with a chance to play well in the famous red jersey. Image Source: Twitter
Daley Blind
Bar Eric Bailly, Blind has probably been United's best defender this season.
Image Source: Twitter
Chris Smalling
Without Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling has to step up and lead the defence.
Image Source: Twitter
Antonio Valencia
An absolute tank of a right-back and never found resting on his laurels with tireless displays. Image Source: Twitter
Ander Herrera
Incredibly underrated in the United team and a hardworking midfielder.
Image Source: Twitter
Marouane Fellaini
Jose Mourinho kept faith with him and it was met by derision but it has paid off with Fellaini adding a huge physical presence in the middle. Image Source: Twitter
Paul Pogba
This is what he was bought for, the big occasions. If he doesn't step up now, when will he? Image Source: Twitter
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Struggled in recent weeks but he is incredibly quick, creative and stylish. Image Source: Twitter
Anthony Martial
Gets the nod ahead of Jesse Lingard because of how dangerous he can be when he wants to play well.
Image Source: Twitter
Marcus Rashford
This is his big chance. If he can grab the game by the scruff of the neck and win it for United then maybe at last Mourinho will begin to trust him. Image Source: Twitter
SEE ALSO: The disappointing debut: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The final is not a time for modesty for United. It is admirable to stick with the same shape of the team throughout the tournament but the best players must start if Mourinho’s men are to claim victory in the final. Unfortunately for Romero he should miss out to
David de Gea who is a goalkeeper that can win games almost singlehandedly.
Across the park only injuries has stunted Manchester United’s ability to play their best starting XI with Zlatan Ibrahimovic their biggest loss considering his ability in the biggest games. Truth be told, United should win this one. From the word go they have been the biggest team with the best players in the competition and to lose at this stage would be a travesty, and one which Mourinho may not be able to talk his way out of.
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