Manchester United are set to hand out debuts to some of their best youth players. United play the last game of the season against Crystal Palace.
Jose Mourinho commented on his choice for a starting eleven against Crystal Palace. It’s the last game of the season and United’s sixth place finish is confirmed. With the UEFA Europa League final being the team’s main objective, it is likely Mourinho will rest some key players.
The game will also serve as an opportunity to welcome Paul Pogba back into the team. The midfielder has been absent from United’s squad due to family issues. Pogba will use the opportunity to play and increase his fitness level.
United’s starting team is likely to feature mostly youth players, alongside a few players from the first team. Although not wanting to say exactly who he is set to start with, Mourinho confirmed he will mostly rely on youth players for the last game of the Premier League season.
“You will have the two goalkeepers, Joel Pereira and Kieran O’Hara. We will have Demi Mitchell, Scott McTominay, Josh Harrop, Matty Willock, Angel Gomes, Zachary Dearnley, I think that is it. Plus, Tim Fosu-Mensah and Axel Tuanzebe.”
“Fosu-Mensah plays Sunday and if the reaction is good then he is a new option for the final. I will bring three or four of the first-team players, to play one half each one. I can give a little bit of experience to the team but, at the same time, save them all for Wednesday.”
“For the kids it will be a great experience to play in the Premier League in the last match of the season. It will be a big occasion but I think the best for the young player is in the middle of an experienced structure, where he can be supported. To play so many kids at the same time I don’t think it is good because there is a big difference in quality, strength and experience.”
Man. United fans could get the chance to witness some of the club’s future stars at work. Meanwhile, United is gearing up for the UEL final against Ajax. The winner of the final is granted automatic entry into next season’s Champions League. United’s sixth place finish would otherwise only see them qualified for the Europa League competition.