United View: A week of two halves for United

With the season drawing to a close, it’s clear to see that Manchester United’s priority is the Europa League following their 1-0 defeat to Wolves on Sunday. 

Despite losing their 15th game in the Premier League, the Reds still have the chance of salvaging what’s been a dire campaign.

Pablo Sarabia’s expert free kick in the 77th minute was enough to see Wolves do the double over the Reds in the league for the first time since 1980, as the same attacking issues were for all to see following the hangover of Thursday night’s incredible second leg against Lyon.

For a club that’s renowned for its dramatic comebacks and late goals, that 5-4 win against the French side might just top the lot. 

Ruben Amorim’s side were cut adrift without a paddle with seven minutes to save their season and yet were somehow able to pull off the most miraculous of comebacks.

Defeat to a 10-man Lyon side would have been nothing short of a disaster for United, having led by two goals at one point in the match and having several chances to put the game beyond the French side. 

However, the scenes for that Harry Maguire winner in stoppage time make it feel completely justified. 

A moment that will live long in the memory of fans.

A semi-final against Athletic Bilbao awaits. Another tough test for United, but they have been much better in Europe compared to the regular season, even if they left it extremely late on Thursday.

Amorim later suggested he would be utilising some of the academy prospects as he looks to prioritise the Europa League, which is understandable given the need to keep his squad fresh.

This was shown on Sunday as he handed 20-year-old Tyler Fredricson his full senior debut, in addition to starting Harry Amass for a second consecutive start in the Premier League.

Both played well and didn’t look out of place, which is a testament to how good the talent at Carrington is at the moment. 

And despite how poor United have been this campaign, it’s always exciting to see young players brought into the side. 

Hopefully, there will be several more debutants before the end of the season in May.

After the game, Amorim said, “They (Fredericson and Amass) deserved better because we were the better team, we played well, created chances, but in the end, again, one opportunity they score and the memories are not the best for them.”

Amorim also alluded to the lack of goals in his side, deflecting the attention away from Rasmus Hojlund and outlining that this is a team issue. 

Which is true, but it’s fair to say that the Danish international looks devoid of confidence in front of goal right now.

The issue is that with Joshua Zirkzee looking to be out for the season, there are no options to replace Hojlund up top. 

Chido Obi is undoubtedly talented, but only 17 years old and not quite ready to lead the line.

Unless Amorim opts to give Harry Maguire a stint in the number nine role, Hojlund will need to find some kind of form as the Reds approach the pivotal part of the season.

Winning the Europa League would grant United more money to spend in the summer as they look to rebuild the squad in Amorim’s image. 

No European football would further complicate things, and the Reds would likely need to be smart and invest in younger players should they fail to win the competition.

United now have a week off before taking on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. 

It will be interesting to see if Amorim continues to experiment with academy players ahead of the first leg against Bilbao the following Thursday.