[3-4-1-2]: Chido-Obi and ONE other academy star starts in a crucial position- Manchester United’s predicted lineup against Tottenham Hotspur as Ruben Amorim confirms the promotion of two academy stars to the first-team
Andre Onana kept a clean sheet in United’s last domestic away game, a 1-0 win at Fulham. He is tasked with preventing Tottenham from scoring twice in a fifth consecutive league game against the Red Devils.
Defence – Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro
Noussair Mazraoui should keep his place as one of Amorim’s outer centre-backs to contest Spurs’ pace in attack.
Leny Yoro thrived after switching to the left at half-time against Leicester City in last Friday’s 2-1 FA Cup win and could continue in that role.
Amorim has recently favoured Harry Maguire, who scored a last-gasp winner against his former club last week, over Matthijs de Ligt.
It would be a surprise if that trend didn’t continue against Spurs, though both starting certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
Midfield – Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu
Patrick Dorgu is in line for his Premier League debut after earning plaudits for his debut showing in the first half against Leicester at Old Trafford.
Diogo Dalot will likely occupy the other wing-back role, but which side either player starts on remains a mystery after Amorim sprung a surprise by using Dorgu on the right against the Foxes.
Manuel Ugarte is almost a lock in central midfield, with one of Kobbie Mainoo or Bruno Fernandes alongside him and the other in one of the more advanced positions.
Attack – Amad, Fernandes, Zirkzee
Amad has been frustrated in recent outings as teams start to double down on United’s most threatening attacker.
But it would be a surprise if he didn’t retain his spot as Amorim’s right inside forward with Mainoo or Fernandes operating alongside him.
Joshua Zirkzee could get the nod over Rasmus Hojlund, who is suffering through a 14-match goal drought.
Zirkzee turned the Leicester clash in United’s favour along with fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho, who could be reserved again to make an impact from the bench against Spurs’ depleted defence.
